Police urge bikers to step up security

Police in the south of England have once again stepped up their efforts to reduce crime and help keep motorbike insurance claims down.

Following on from a spate of bike thefts across the town of Walsall, community police chiefs have issued local riders with a 'lock it or lose it' warning.

According to DCI Sean Philips, thieves are now stealing bikes from people's front or back gardens in the middle of the night, often wheeling them away so as not to be heard starting the engine.

What is more, owners are giving the criminals an easy ride, often failing to take even the simplest steps to protect their bikes and therefore setting themselves up for more expensive motorbike insurance policies.

"We are conducting operations to combat this crime but call on every bike owner to review their security measures when securing their motorcycle," he told the Walsall Advertiser.

"Motorcycle security is paramount to stop you becoming a victim of crime. Always lock your vehicle with a solid security device."

At the same time, it has been reported that a couple who claimed £50,000 in incapacity benefits were exposed as cheats after pictures of them touring the country turned up at a motorcycle show.