Council provides free locks to cut motorbike theft

12.28.03pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 5th Apr 2007

A new initiative to combat motorcycle and moped theft in the borough has been launched.

One hundred top-of-the-range locks and chains are being offered free to residents who buy a new or used machine from selected dealers in the borough. The move results from a £5,000 grant from the Government Office for London to combat a spate of bike thefts across London, and is being co-ordinated by the Richmond upon Thames Community Safety Partnership. The cash has been used to buy locks and chains which usually retail at £150 each and have won a best accessory award from Bike Magazine. West London Yamaha in Twickenham Road, Hanworth, and Blays of Twickenham will provide the free locks and chains to their customers, along with crime prevention advice. The Community Safety Partnership is in negotiations with other dealers in the borough to join the initiative.

Sir David Williams, Cabinet Member for Communities on Richmond Council, said:

"Theft of motorcycles and mopeds from the capital's streets has been a recent cause for concern and while Richmond upon Thames remains London's safest borough, we can never afford to be complacent. This excellent initiative will offer added security to new bike owners and reinforce the message that there are no easy pickings for criminals in this borough. I would remind all vehicle owners to be extra vigilant and make sure their cars and motorbikes are secure with all valuables kept out of sight."