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Visitors to GP Moto at Donington urged to think about bike security

Posted on 22/07/2009

police,constabulary,leicestershire police Visitors to GP Moto at Donington urged to think about bike security Bluetooth message being sent to phones

Bluetooth message being sent to phones

Bluetooth text messages are being sent to visitors at this year’s British Motorcycle Grand Prix at Donington Park reminding them to think about the security of their bikes. 

The GP Moto is expected to attract crowds of up to 65,000, many of whom come on their bikes. The event runs from Friday 24th July with the main race taking place on Sunday 26th July.  Nine bikes were stolen during the event last year – three of them from Donington Park and six from hotels around Donington. 

Police officers and community volunteers will be on site throughout the event patrolling the car parks and campsites.  Bluetooth messages, which are sent to mobile telephones and can be accepted free of charge, are being used for the first time at the GP Moto reminding bike owners to secure their motorbikes.  The message is ‘Safe in 60 seconds’ - it only takes a minute to secure your bike. 

DC Kev Walker said; “We had 9 bikes stolen last year worth about £56,000 between them.  Stolen bikes are usual broken down into parts and it is rare that they are ever recovered and returned to their owners.  Last year the majority of them were stolen from hotels at sites up and down the motorway and we’re keen to remind bikers to secure their bikes at night and while they are watching the racing. 

“I’d like to urge bikers to think about the security of their bikes before they come. Bring strong, good quality locks with you and think about adding an immobiliser and other security devices if you haven’t already got them.  We really recommend that bikers use an electronic identification system to mark their bikes because they act as a great deterrent to thieves. 

“When you are away from home, the security of your bike might not be the first thing you think about, but getting home without your bike might be a problem so it really is worth adopting a few easy steps to deter bike thieves who are likely to target events where there are a lot of motorbikes.” 

Motorists are also being reminded that the roads around Donington Park are likely to be busy and that visitors to East Midlands Airport should leave extra time for their journey.  Visitors to Doington Park are urged to follow the designated signs and routes to ensure the smooth flow of traffic. 

BIKE SECURITY TIPS

  • If your motorbike or scooter doesn’t already have one, get a ‘Thatcham’- or ‘Sold Secure’- approved electronic immobiliser professionally fitted. Try to get one which is also approved by your insurance company.
  •  Use an electronic identification system such as Datatag to permanently mark and protect your bike and its parts.
  • Get the main parts of your machine marked with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) (frame number), registration number or postcode.
  • you have a security device, use it and keep your keys with you when you leave your machine.
  • Always put the steering lock on.
  • Never leave your keys with the motorbike or scooter, even for a short time.
  • Wherever possible, use parking spaces which are built especially for motorbikes and have stands or security loops for you to secure your machine to. Cover your machine if possible.
  • Whenever possible, avoid leaving your helmet or other possessions on the motorbike or scooter or in luggage space on panniers.