Police are urging the public to be vigilant following an increase in motorcycle thefts this year.

Inspector Robert Cardwell, the officer in charge of the Roads Police Unit, said that 728 vehicles have been reported stolen so far this year, compared to 599 at the same time last year.

“The rising rate of motorcycle theft is disproportionate to other recorded crimes which are trending down,” he said. “The motorcycles most frequently subject of these reports are the Honda Scoopy, Symax HD125 and the Yamaha Nouvo.

“Owners of these motorcycle types are alerted that these motorcycles are being targeted for theft by motorcycle thieves and as such are strongly encouraged to make use of secondary locks at all times which is the strongest deterrent of theft.

“The most common area where motorcycles are ‘taken without the owner’s consent’ is in the City of Hamilton from virtually every motorcycle parking area. Whilst many of these areas are covered by CCTV, identification of thieves is made difficult by the thieves themselves being aware CCTV is recording them and they disguise themselves or cover their faces with dark visor helmets.”

Insp Cardwell added: “The entire police service have been alerted to the types and models of motorcycles being stolen and will be targeting riders of these motorcycles so that frame and engine numbers can be checked and validated,” he said. “In some instances, stolen motorcycles are being recovered from persons who have legitimately purchased them in responding to a ‘motorcycle for sale’ advertisement.

“Commonly, where stolen motorcycles are being sold to an unwitting buyer, these motorcycles have frame and engine numbers that have been restamped.”

He urged people to use a secondary lock, park in well-lit areas and ensure they didn’t leave keys in their bikes. The officer also advised buyers to take all the details of the seller, including a full name, address, date of birth and contact number.