The Metropolitan Police has launched a campaign aimed at encouraging moped owners to layer up on security in order to prevent thieves from targeting their bike.

"The more visible the security, the less visible your scooter is to thieves" is the message of the video campaign launched in support of Operation Venice.

Official figures show more than 15,000 scooters, motorcycles and mopeds were stolen in London in the last year which is more than half of all stolen vehicles in the capital.

Police advise owners to use covers on their bikes

As part of Operation Venice, the police are working to tackle this and are now providing advice as to how best owners can protect their motorcycles, and it appears it is a case of layering up with multiple security measures in order to make the bike less attractive to potential thieves.

"Get yourself a decent chain"

In light of recent advice, getwestlondon spoke to Hounslow Police about moped thefts in the borough and to hear more about what scooter owners can do in order to safeguard their vehicle.

Superintendent Mark Payne, who is working on Operation Venice, explained how motorcycle crime is on the rise in Hounslow, with the breakage of steering locks being the most common way of securing a bike theft.

Providing security advice, he said: "If you take your key out of your lock on your moped, it's still very easy steal, it's probably as easy to steal as a bicycle and most thieves will steal your moped within 60 seconds."

The campaign encourages bike owners to layer up on security

He added: "Once you've taken your key out, get yourself a decent chain, put it round the back wheel of your moped and then lock it to something solid in the street.

"And if you're at home and it's on your driveway, it's not safe, you need to lock it up.

"Often the best way is to just fit a ground anchor to your driveway or outside your house, lay it into the concrete or screw it down and then lock your moped to that."

A few other Met Police tips

Remove keys

Even if you are close by or only away for a few minutes, always remove the keys.

Use a cover

Thieves usually look for particular bike models, so if you cover your bike up it will be less attractive to them and will also create a time consuming obstacle.

Fit an alarm

The police recommend fitting a Thatcham-rated 1 or 2 alarm system with tracking, immobilisation, anti-grab and movement sensors to help protect and trace your bike.

The campaign is in support of Operation Venice

Property mark parts

This will not only make the bike less attractive to thieves, but will also help police when returning recovered bikes to owners.

Store your bike inside if possible

If you are able, store your bike inside a garage or a shed, alternatively, make sure you park your bike in a well lit and well overlooked area.

The Metropolitan Police advise those who witness a motorcycle theft to call 999, or owners should call 101 if they discover their bike has gone.

Keep up to date with the latest news in west London via the free getwestlondon app.

You can set up your app to see all the latest news and events from your area, plus receive push notifications for breaking news.

Available to download from the App Store or Google Play for Android .