Motorbike owners warned after recent thefts

We are urging motorbike owners to take steps in protecting their motorbikes from thieves after recent reported motorbike thefts in the Trentham area. Four incidents have been reported in the area this week, with two of them reported on Monday (28 November). A black Yamaha motorcycle stolen from a premises on Stanley Matthews Way at around 7pm on Monday (28 November). Four men, all wearing black clothing, were seen pushing the bike away. The stolen bike was then spotted travelling in the direction of Blurton and Newstead in convoy with an e-scooter, driven by one of the four men. Later the same day, residents of another premises on Stanley Matthews Way reported that a further black Yamaha was stolen sometime between 11am and 8.15pm. Two further theft-related incidents were reported the following day (Tuesday 29 November). Thieves attempted to steal a motorbike theft from a premises on Bellringer Road at around 11.40am. Two men were seen leaving the scene on an e-scooter, in the direction of Trentham Road, wearing black clothing and face coverings. No one was reported injured and nothing was reported stolen. Then, at around 2.45pm on Tuesday (29 November) a Yamaha motorbike was found abandoned on Kennington Oval, close to a railway line. It has since been recovered. We are currently reviewing CCTV footage of the areas at the time of these thefts and inquiries are ongoing. Inspector Eloise Bowen, of the Stoke South Local Policing Team, said: “Owners of motorbikes must take all of the necessary steps that they can to avoid opportunist thieves. "If you are able to, put your bike in a locked garage or outbuilding and secure it to a ground anchor or other fixed point. “Please secure your bike as best as possible with a high quality chain and lock.

“When parking your bike away from home, try to leave it in a well-lit area, ideally covered by CCTV.” If you have any information concerning vehicle crime or wish to report any suspicious behaviour, contact us on 101, message us on Facebook or Twitter, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.