Bikers to march on County Hall in Northampton over police inaction on motorbike thefts

Around 30 motorbike enthusiasts are planning to hold a peaceful demonstration in the town centre on December 2, to raise awareness over the recent spate, as they believe the authorities are not doing enough to tackle such crimes.

Spokesman for the End Motorcycle Theft group in Northamptonshire, Adam Bracewell believes the police need to engage with the community more about bike theft so the public are better aware of what to do if they see people acting suspiciously around the vehicles.

He said: "What we are hoping to do is to work with police and try and set up a community scheme. We want people to not be afraid to call the police.

"You campaign is about making people more vigilant because these thefts are happening more regularly."

The campaigners will remain in the town centre handing out leaflets and speaking to members of the public in a bid to raise awareness.

Corporate manager, Mr Bracewell, 38, of Irthlingborough, said he understands that police budgets are tight.

But such thefts are not just an oncovenienve to their owner - as often stolen bikes can be more danrgerous in the hands of the thieves, some of whom then take the vehicles for dangerous joyrides.

He said: "The lack of action being taken by the authorities in tackling bike crime will result in deaths.

"Whether this be a child or adult killed by an unqualified, uninsured bike thief or the thief themselves, it will be too late to take action to prevent this easily foreseeable incident taking place."

The campaign aims to make people less worried about reporting motorbike thefts or even approaching people starting up a bike in suspicious circumstances - such as not wearing a helmet.

"A legitimate biker would welcome someone coming up to them and saying 'excuse me is there a problem'?" added Mr Bracewell