Rise in motorbike thefts in Wrexham

We are seeing an increase in the number of motorbikes being reported stolen in Wrexham.

Within the last month, 11 incidents of bike thefts have been reported to us from across the county.

Some are being hotwired, with others taken form gardens or garages.

Yesterday (Wednesday, May 8^th) we received a report a white Piaggio Xevo had been stolen from an address in Rhos, that had been targeted by thieves for the second time within a week. The first bike, a blue Lexmoto Assault was taken on Thursday, May 2^nd, before it was recovered by officers in Ruabon some days later.

In the early hours of Tuesday morning, two men on a motorbike and without helmets were also seen looking into a car parked on a driveway of a house in the Cefn Road area, before they were disturbed and made off.

Last month, another Lexmoto was stolen from outside a house in Gwersyllt, with reports the bike was seen being ridden in the city.

Sergeant Emma Birrell said: “Thieves only need a matter of seconds to steal a bike - especially if they are left with poor security.

“I would urge people to consider using multiple security measures to make it harder and less attractive for thieves.

“If you see anybody acting suspiciously in your area, please report it to us at the earliest opportunity, either by calling us on 101, or through our live chat on the website here- Live chat | North Wales Police.”

Here are some tips to reduce the chance of theft

• Make sure your bike is locked and the keys are out of reach

Use a disc lock to help secure the front brake disc, or a grip lock to secure the brake and throttle controls. You could also use a D lock on the front wheel to stop it being wheeled away. Use locking devices even when bike is stored inside a garage.

• Use a chain

Thieves often steal bikes by breaking the steering lock and wheeling it away. Use a chain lock through the back wheel. Secure your bike, with the lock taut to an immovable object such as a ground anchor or street furniture. This will stop thieves from cutting a lock trailing on the ground using an angle grinder. If this isn’t possible, thread the chain through your bike frame and back wheel.

• Cover your bike

Thieves often ‘shop’ for particular bike models. Using a cover instantly makes it less attractive to them. A cover also provides another time consuming obstacle for the thief.

• Install motion sensor lights and CCTV at your home

More information is available here on how to keep your vehicles safe - Preventing car and vehicle theft | Crime Prevention | North Wales Police