Police in Hillingdon have issued security advice to motorbike and moped owners after it was revealed £72,000 worth of bikes have been stolen in the last three months alone.
Operation Venice has been set up by the Metropolitan Police in an attempt to crack down on bike thefts and to stop bikes being used in other crimes like street robberies and burglaries.
The figures mean that, since June, these thefts have cost the various owners a combined £800 per day.
The ward sergeant for South Ruislip A/PS James Burgess offered tips on how riders in Hillingdon can protect theirs bikes.
A/PS Burgess told getwestlondon : “Since June 2016, we have seen over £72,000 worth of bikes stolen in Hillingdon.
“A majority of these vehicles have not had any security other than the built-in steering lock, so the key message I'm trying to get out is to cover, chain and lock your bike to help prevent it being stolen.
“Lots of stolen bikes are used by criminals to commit other types of offences such as street robberies or used as getaway vehicles at burglaries.
“If we deny criminals use of these vehicles we will help to reduce other types of crime across London.”
There have also recently been car thefts in the borough, when two Mercedes were stolen in Ruislip.
'Lock your bike'
The Metropolitan Police has issued this advice to bike owners:
Lock your bike. Don't rely on the standard fitted lock. Use a ground anchor, a good quality disc lock, and a chain
Fit an alarm with a movement sensor.
Fit a tracker - some can be used with a smart phone app to monitor the vehicle.
At home, park your bike in a lock garage or in an enclosed area. If this isn't possible, ensure it is always covered and locked.
Use well lit parking areas covered by CCTV, or a Park Mark approved car park ( www.parkmark.co.uk )
Keep a record of your vehicles unique frame number together with a photograph of the bike that can be given to the police if it's stolen
