Enhanced security sees theft reduction during Isle of Man TT

Merseyside Police is welcoming a further reduction in motorbike thefts in Liverpool during this year’s Isle of Man TT festival.

The TT races, which ran from Monday 26 May to Saturday 7 June, saw more than 6,000 racegoers on their motorcycles stopping in Liverpool, often staying overnight to enjoy the city before continuing to the Isle of Man via ferry from Liverpool.

Of those, two had their motorbikes stolen in Anfield with none taken in the city centre – down from 11 thefts overall last year.

To ensure visitors had a safe and enjoyable time in the city, Merseyside Police co-ordinated with Liverpool City Council, Liverpool BID Company, car park providers, hotels, Liverpool Ports Police, Lancashire Constabulary and the Isle of Man Constabulary 

The focus of Operation Needle, Merseyside Police’s response to the increase in motorbike traffic, is to prevent theft of and from motorcycles, reassure motorcyclists and visitors to Liverpool city centre, and to identify, disrupt and bring to justice anyone involved in motorcycle theft.  

There were no reported thefts of motorcycles in Liverpool city centre during the operation, compared with five thefts there last year. Operation Needle extended into Anfield and Kirkdale for the first time this year, where there were two motorbike thefts reported – a 66% reduction compared to last year when a total of six motorcycles linked to the TT races were stolen in the Anfield area during the two weeks. 

In addition to reducing motorcycle thefts, officers supporting the operation also located a stolen car in the Ropewalks area, seized a scooter after it failed to stop for officers on Leeds Street and arrested a car driver on suspicion of drink driving near the Isle of Man Ferry Terminal. 

Thanks to financial support from the National Vehicle Crime Reduction Partnership (NVCRP), Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) Foundation and British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) enhanced security measures were funded across city centre hotels including heavy duty bike chains hired out to guests and Safer S1 Pods equipped with CCTV and motion detection. 

Sergeant Craig Winstanley, Op Needle, said: “It is great to see the work of many partner agencies paid off this year, with another reduction in the number of bike thefts.

“While it is regrettable two people suffered the anguish of having their motorbikes stolen, significantly less people fell victim than previous years.

“This is thanks to our joint effort with partners and our commitment to listen to the motorcycle community, consider their concerns and take action to protect motorcycles.

‘From speaking to motorcyclists from both the UK and overseas, they have given us really positive feedback about the security measures we have been able to implement thanks to the additional funding we have received.’ 

“They were able to enjoy everything Liverpool has to offer without their trip being tainted, and we hope to build on this success for future events.”

Mark Kameen, Project Lead, NVCRP, said: “The NVCRP is pleased to have supported this year’s Operation Needle in partnership with Merseyside Police, the BMF, and MAG. The deployment of targeted crime prevention measures has proven to be an effective deterrent, with no reported motorcycle thefts in areas where the security provisions were in place. 

“Achieving a 100% reduction in thefts compared to previous years highlights the impact of proactive, collaborative efforts. This initiative stands as a clear example of how public and private sector partnerships, underpinned by strategic investment and a preventative approach, can deliver meaningful results in the fight against organised vehicle crime."