Motor cycles are a target for both opportunist and professional thieves who steal bikes for resale, or for the market in motor-cycle parts.  Always lock up your motorbike when you leave it.  Put the steering lock on and wherever possible use a high tension steel cable, padlock or U-lock to attach it to an immovable object or another motorcycle.

Arrange to have your motocycle marked with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), registration number or your postcode.  You can do this with an engraving or etching kit, or a security marker pen.  If you use indelible ink or an ultraviolet pen, remember to renew the markings every few weeks before they begin to fade.  The Motorcycle Theft Action Group (TAG) was set up in 1991 to tackle the problem of bike theft.  TAG members include motorcycle user groups, manufacturers, insurers, the police and the Home Office.  TAG has launched a number of anti bike theft initiatives and is involved in educating riders of the need to secure their bikes.  For further information about the work of the group, you can contact the TAG secretary on 0171 222 0666.

Anti-theft schemes encourage motorcyclists and others to spot motorcycle theft and generate new ideas to tackle it.  For information about local groups contact a motorcycle support group, such as the Motorcycle Action Group (0121 604 1991) or the crime reduction officer at Braintree Police Station (01376 551312), who are members of TAG.