Bikers have been urged to review their motorcycle’s security measures after a series of thefts in West Dorset. 

Dorset Police revealed that they received 47 reports of thefts or attempted thefts of motorcycles in Weymouth, Portland and Dorchester since February.

A motorcyclist from Weymouth, told of how he managed to stop two thieves attempting to steal his motorcycle. 

He said: “It must have been after midnight. I was in bed and could hear some people talking outside because I had the window open, I didn’t pay too much attention at first until I heard one of them say bike, I looked out of my window and saw two youths about to try and pinch my bike.

"I shouted a few expletives at the top of my voice, they nearly jumped out their skin and scurried off.”

Lisa Hindle, a keen motorcyclist and an admin of a local biker Facebook group, said there is a need for better motorcycle facilities in the area.

She added: “There’s a need for better facilities to be able to secure bikes but unfortunately if they are going to take a bike they will usually find a way.

“Smaller bikes are so light that they can be lifted and put in the back of a van easily, so it would be nice for more areas to offer places to anchor bikes, especially overnight.

“Just having ground anchors would be a great start but bike owners also have a responsibility to make sure their bikes are locked up as well as can be. “Most riders I know already have several locks and chains with them wherever they go, and it’s not always practical to lug a heavy chain around.”

Dorset Police said one of the latest motorcycles to be stolen was a grey Hyosung motorcycle which was stolen on Beverley Road in Weymouth sometime between 5pm on Monday, October 30 and 9am on Tuesday, October 31. The bike has since been recovered.

An attempted theft of a motorcycle also took place over a similar time period on Dorchester Road.

Weymouth and Portland Deputy Neighbourhood Inspector, Darren Stanton, said: “A detailed investigation is ongoing into this series of thefts and I am appealing to anyone with information about the thefts to please contact Dorset Police.

"I would strongly advise motorcycle owners to ensure their bike is secure and to follow our crime prevention steps to ensure you do not become the victim of bike thieves.”

For crime prevention advice, visit www.dorset.police.uk Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police on 101.