Written question asked by Claire Curtis-Thomas (Labour) on Thursday, 26 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 1 May 2001. It was answered by Charles Clarke (Labour) on Tuesday, 1 May 2001 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many motorcycles have been (a) stolen and (b) recovered in each of the last four years; if he will make a statement on recent measures which have been taken to reduce motorcycle theft. - Inc fact that details of theft and recovery of motorcycles not collected centrally.

Answer: Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many motorcycles have been (a) stolen and (b) recovered in each of the last four years; [159565] (2) if he will make a statement on recent measures which have been taken to reduce motorcycle theft. [159566] Mr. Charles Clarke: The 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 of the national vehicle crime reduction communications campaign, which will take place in the current financial year. Local authorities now have powers to provide secure parking for motorcycles under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended). The Vehicles (Crime) Act 2001 provides for statutory regulation of the motor salvage industry, which will help prevent vehicles, including motorcycles, from being stolen to be broken up for spare parts or being "rung" (ie taking on the identities of vehicles which have been written off in accidents). Separate details of the theft and recovery of motorcycles are not collected centrally.

Secondary information