Moped recovered just half an hour after it was reported stolen in Canterbury
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A stolen moped was recovered by officers in Canterbury less than an hour after it was reported missing.
Officers were alerted to a report of a moped taken from outside a house in Barton Mill Road just after 9am on Friday 18 July.
It had been fitted with a tracking device which meant the owner could relay information about its location and movements to investigating officers. Thanks to clear communication between the victim and officers, the moped was located outside Chartham Cemetery, just 37 minutes after the offence was reported.
Two 16 year old boys were arrested at the scene and they have since been bailed pending further enquiries.
The bike has been seized by officers whilst forensic investigations continue and will be returned to its rightful owner in due course.
Inspector Daniel Fordom, from the Community Safety Unit, said:
‘The successful recovery of this moped highlights how vital tracking devices can be in assisting police investigations. Not only are trackers a deterrent for crime, but they also act as a tool for recovery. ‘I would like to thank the member of the public who worked with our Force Control Room to help officers locate the vehicle.’
Advice to reduce your risk of becoming a victim and to protect your motorcycle:
- Garage and shed alarms as well as low-level dusk-to-dawn lighting will enhance security.
- Using a chain lock through the back wheel to secure your bike, with the lock taut, to a ground anchor also provides extra security.
- A disc lock will help secure the front brake disc and a grip lock will also secure the brake and throttle controls.
- A cover can make bikes less attractive to thieves and also prove a time-consuming obstacle.
- Consider fitting a Thatcham-rated 1 or 2 alarm system with tracking, immobilisation, anti-grab and movement sensors.
- Property marking will make it more difficult for criminals to sell parts on, and less attractive to steal. It will also help police identify parts and return recovered stolen bikes.