MOTORBIKE and scooter owners in North Somerset are being urged to increase security of their vehicles following an increase in the number of thefts. During July around 30 vehicles were reported stolen in the policing district, but almost half were motorcy

MOTORBIKE and scooter owners in North Somerset are being urged to increase security of their vehicles following an increase in the number of thefts.During July around 30 vehicles were reported stolen in the policing district, but almost half were motorcycles or mopeds - double the number for the period October 2006-July 2007.Police are now urging all motorcycle, moped and scooter owners to review their security.Crime reduction officer PC Steve Burrough said: "Some of the thefts may have been prevented if the owners had taken some crime prevention advice."Some owners were relying solely on the steering lock but that alone is not sufficient and it is always wise to provide some form of additional security."Determined thieves have used bolt croppers to cut through what appeared to be inferior security chain locks which are not recommended by the security industry."Wherever possible motorbikes, mopeds and scooters should be securely locked away in garages."It is also wise to add additional security by chaining the vehicle to secure fitting to either the wall or floor to give extra peace of mind."PC Burrough also suggested logging onto the www.soldsecure.com website for a range of security devices or logging onto the police website www.avonandsomerset.police.uk