Mr. ÕpikTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what actions he is taking to reduce levels of motorcycle theft in the UK; and if he will make a statement. [143905]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeThe National Criminal Intelligence Service has received additional Government funding to run a project aimed at tackling organised motorcycle theft. Crime prevention messages specifically aimed at motorcyclists will be included in the next phase (starting in the next financial year) of the national vehicle crime reduction communications campaign. Local authorities now have powers to provide secure parking for motorcycles under the Road Traffic Regulations Act 1984 (as amended). The Vehicles (Crime) Bill currently before Parliament provides for statutory regulation of the motor salvage industry, which will help to prevent vehicles, including motorcycles, from being stolen to be broken up for spare parts or "rung" (ie taking on the identities of vehicles which have been written off in accidents).