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Make sure thieves get on their bikes!

Theft of motor vehicles in Rugby has fallen by 15% in the last 12 months – but there were still over 320 victims of vehicle theft last year.

That’s according to the Rugby Community Safety Partnership. Thieves have increasingly been targeting mopeds and small bikes, which has prompted the Partnership to help bike owners properly secure their vehicles.

As part of a new scheme, launched this week, high quality bike chains are now available from Rugby Police station and from Nightingales Motorcycles on Lawford Road for a reduced price of just £20.

The chains are made of Boron steel, are 1.5 metres long and come complete with a high quality lock. Steering wheel locks are also available for car owners who want to protect their vehicles from theft.

The scheme, which has been funded by the Rugby Community Safety Partnership with help from Warwickshire County Council, Rugby Borough Council and Warwickshire Police, has been launched in an effort to further reduce crime in the town.

It builds on the success of an earlier project, where bike chains were offered to owners of the most at risk vehicles in the top hot spots for motor bike thefts in Rugby. These hotspots have all seen a reduction in the thefts of mopeds and small motor bikes, but the Rugby Community Safety Partnership believes it can be reduced further.

Steve Rose, Rugby Community Safety Partnership Manager, said: “It is our role to make the people of Rugby be safe and feel safe.”

Paul Collett, Community Safety Project Officer for Warwickshire County Council, who is organising the scheme, said: “We’re very happy to be involved in extending this scheme in Rugby, as Warwickshire County Council is committed to protecting the community and making it a safer place to live.
“As with all crime, prevention is the best cure. By taking simple steps such as locking your moped or bike with a good quality chain and lock, you will dramatically reduce the chances of becoming a victim. Rugby is a safe place for motor bikes, but lets make it even safer.”

Nightingales Motorcycles, who are also selling the £20 bike chains along with Rugby Police station, can be contacted on 01788 573257.

For crime prevention advice, go to http://www.warwickshire.police.uk/crimeprevention or visit your local motorbike or moped retailer.