Essex police

Published: 14 January 2026

Protect your motorcycle, moped or scooter from theft

Thieves only need a matter of seconds to steal a moped, scooter or motorcycle - especially if they are left with poor security - but our tips will help reduce the chance of theft.

Lock, chain, cover

Reduce your risk of becoming a victim by taking steps to layer your security.

Lock

Use a disc lock to help secure the front brake disc, or a grip lock to secure the brake and throttle controls. You could also use a D lock on the front wheel to stop it being wheeled away.

Chain

Thieves often steal a bike by breaking the steering lock and wheeling it away. Use a chain lock through the back wheel (the front wheel can be removed). Secure your bike, with the lock taut to an immovable object such as a ground anchor or street furniture. This will stop thieves from cutting a lock trailing on the ground using an angle grinder. If this isn’t possible, thread the chain through your bike frame and back wheel.

Cover

Thieves often ‘shop’ for particular bike models. Using a cover instantly makes it less attractive to them. A cover also provides another time consuming obstacle for the thief.

Unfortunately security measures can’t guarantee your bike won’t be stolen but, by using multiple security measures, you can make it harder and less attractive for thieves.

For security products for your scooter, motorcycle or moped search the ‘Accredited products’ page on Secured by Design (a police-approved website).

Be fraud smart

Fraud Prevention Toolkit

Being targeted or worrying about the risk of fraud can be frightening and overwhelming.

It can leave you with worries about money and create a sense of a loss of identity, control, and not knowing which way to turn.

The need to remember lots of different fraud types can be confusing and feel like an added pressure upon you.

What if there was a way to help you reduce the risk of fraud? Without pressure and just choice, and less fear? Creating a sense of empowerment and hope?

The Fraud Prevention Toolkit has been designed to help you do just that!

Every fraud starts by the fraud criminals exploiting a route of communication. This may be the telephone or via your computer.

Instead of asking you to remember the many different types of fraud, this focuses on each route of communication by highlighting which actions may be undertaken to try and minimise the risk relating to that route of contact.

Regardless of whether you have been targeted with fraud or not, it is recommended everyone take a few moments to consider safeguarding your personal information and finances.