Merseyside Police track down six bikes stolen in Liverpool during TT fortnight

Police officers in Merseyside have recovered six motorbikes stolen from tourists travelling through Liverpool on their way to the annual Isle of Man TT races.

In total, eight machines were taken during the two-week road racing festival, with around 7000 bikers from across Europe travelling through the city centre to catch the Steam Packet ferry over to the island in the Irish Sea during the event.

The races ran from May 27 to June 8, with victims arriving in the city from as far as France and Germany. “Liverpool city centre has welcomed several thousand motorcyclists over the past two weeks as they travelled to the Isle of Man TT festival,” Sergeant Craig Winstanley, of Merseyside Police, said.

“Unfortunately, some groups have seen this as an opportunity to target motorcyclists staying within the city centre. We have made several arrests and whilst the operation may have finished, we will continue to pursue lines of enquiry to identify those responsible for these thefts.”

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The motorcycle recovery rates were announced on June 13, with the bikes recovered as part of Operation Needle which is used within the city to prevent theft of and from motorcycles. As such, three people have now been arrested in connection to the thefts, with extra officers deployed in the area across TT time.

“We’ve worked closely throughout the planning and delivery stages of the operation with our partners including Liverpool City Council, Liverpool BID Company, hotels and carpark providers, Liverpool Ports Police and the Isle of Man Constabulary to reassure visitors and disrupt offenders,” Sgt Winstanley continued.

“Liverpool City Centre attracts visitors from across the world and that is why we are determined by working closely with our partners, to make it as safe as possible for those that live, work, socialise and visit here.”

Five of the bikes taken during this time belonged to riders heading out to the TT, with a further three unrelated to the event. On top of this, five vehicles were seized for offences including being used in connection to theft of motorcycles.

Eastleigh arrests

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight constabulary have arrested three males in connection with the theft of two motorbikes in the Eastleigh area.

Following the report of a stolen black Honda on Blenheim Road at the start of June, a 21-year-old man from Southampton was arrested. He has been released on conditional bail until September 1.

Elsewhere, a 16-year-old and 18-year-old, again from Southampton were arrested on suspicion of theft of motor vehicle following a report of a stolen black Honda on Mitchell Road. Both remain on condition police bail until September 2.