Release: PCC initiative returns to help Dorset residents secure their motorcycles against theft
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), David Sidwick, has once again joined forces with the DocBike charity to offer alarmed disc locks to motorbike owners in Dorset as part of a motorcycle anti-theft initiative.
The initiative aims to reduce motorbike, moped and scooter thefts by providing the opportunity for Dorset motorcycle owners to purchase an alarmed disc lock at a significantly reduced price with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner covering the difference.
The scheme will see Dorset motorcycle owners able to purchase Oxford Big Boss (RRP £99.99) and Oxford Alpha XA14 (RRP £79.99) locks for £30 and £25 respectively, including postage and packaging. The locks will be available on the DocBike website on 21st March at 09:00 AM. The funding for the bike locks is limited and requests for the locks will be monitored by the charity, so only Dorset residents who have not previously purchased a lock through the 2023 initiative will be able to benefit.
The scheme previously ran in 2023 when 500 locks were purchased by Dorset residents who welcomed the opportunity to purchase the discounted locks with the first 250 selling out in 12 hours.
PCC David Sidwick said: “I am pleased to be able to yet again work with the DocBike charity to offer alarmed disc locks to Dorset motorcyclists at a reduced cost.
Having spoken to victims, I have heard just how devastating having a motorcycle stolen can be. For many people owning a bike is a cheap way to get to work, for some youngsters it's their first mode of transport and for some, it’s a means to earning a living by delivering food and goods. I hope by reducing the cost of the locks we can make bike security more accessible and help owners take practical and proactive steps to protect their bikes.
Preventing the theft of vehicles is also an important element in keeping Dorset’s roads safe as many vehicles that are stolen are driven in a dangerous manner, therefore this scheme is helping to make Dorset a safer place for us all, not just those that own motorcycles.”
The initiative comes after a noted increase in the number of motorbikes, scooters and mopeds were stolen in Dorset, with 242 thefts being reported between January 2023 and July 2023 compared to only 255 in the whole of 2022.
Dr Ian Mew, co-founder and Trustee of the DocBike charity said, “It’s a pleasure to help the PCC with this initiative once again! This is something that is very important to the motorcycling community. Preventing motorcycle theft by making high quality locks available to motorcyclists at an affordable price makes absolute sense and it’s something that we’re very happy to facilitate.”
Each lock will be dispatched along with DocBike safety information such as:
- A booklet on ‘Why Motorcyclists Crash’ and how to stop it happening to you
- A booklet with tips on how to avoid being in a crash and how to be a more skilful rider
- A Crash Card which can be placed inside the helmet and in the event of a crash it gives useful information to first responder teams
- Information about available motorcycle courses and the DocBike charity.
Locks will be available to purchase on the 21st March at 9 AM from: Shop - DocBike