Frustrated Edinburgh bikers team up to tackle criminal gangs rife across the city
By organising patrols, identifying stash areas and handing over names of those responsible, the collective say they want to help Police Scotland track down and apprehend the thieves.
Set up through the Facebook group Edinburgh Stolen Motorbikes, organisers worry not enough is being done to stop the criminals.
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The volunteers, often victims of bike theft themselves, claim there is a growing frustration with the force for the lack of justice dished out to those stealing bikes in the capital.
Ross Munro, who is one of the lead organisers, says Edinburgh risks becoming like other major UK cities - where not only are motorbike thefts rife, but the vehicles are then used to commit further crimes.
At a recent meet up in Corstorphine, dozens of bikers gathered, with the bikers arguing they have no option but to try to tackle the problem legally themselves.
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'There are two types of theft going on right now,' Ross said. 'The first is your typical ned who will steal it, run around on it and then dump or burn it once they are done.
'The second is your higher end, more organised crime. The bikes are stolen, trackers removed and the bikes are not seen again.
'Looking at the bigger picture this is not just folk from Wester Hailes or Muirhouse. There is more to it.
'It is our aim to raise awareness for the general public and to try to help police with tackling this criminal activity. The reality is these stolen bikes are being used to commit other crimes.
'I grew up in Edinburgh all my life and I've never seen it this bad before. We need to be careful because we are close to becoming London or Birmingham and it can always escalate.
'I take it personally when people get their bike stolen. People phone me crying, they can't get to work or college.
'As for the police, most people get a crime number but the theft is not followed up right away, or at all. When you lose a bike there is all the trauma that goes along with it, like you are being punished twice.
'Not only should these thieves face convictions, they should also be forced to pay for any insurance or replacement costs incurred by the people they stole from.
'We have got some praise from the police but have also been met with an attitude. We are not breaking the law but we are finding the areas the thieves are stashing the bikes and identifying who they are.
'In my opinion Police Scotland are fighting a war with 20 year old tactics. We should have officers out on regular patrols on dirt bikes.
'We also live in a touchy feely society now, we need doors getting knocked and people named who are responsible. We are tired of sitting back and being victims.
'One day they will steal one of the wrong bikes and it'll get really bad if they do not deal with it.'
A West Lothian volunteer, who wished to remain anonymous, complained bikers should not be having to go out on patrols wearing stab proof vests in order to get their stolen bikes back. He was the victim of what he believed to be a targeted attack several years ago.
While on holiday his home was broken into by thieves who stole competitive dirt bikes worth tens of thousands. Overall the volunteer has had four bikes stolen over the years.
'I just wanted a quiet life but these idiots targeted me,' he said. 'My main reason for joining is ultimately to help retrieve bikes as the police seem overwhelmed.
'I also want to know where these bikes are going and who is making the real money from them. We have been able to identify three or so vans being used to transport stolen motorbikes.
'I also want to educate owners to look after their bikes and take necessary precautions to avoid theft e.g. trackers, alarms , layered security. Bikers spend thousands on accessories for their bikes but then scrimp on the essentials whilst crime is through the roof.
'Something has to change because we should not be going out in stab proof vests to get our bikes back.'
Specific numbers relating to motorbike thefts are not readily available through Police Scotland's crime data list. But the issue has gained the attention of opposition MSP's, with both Conservative MSP Sue Webber and Labour MSP Daniel Johnson slamming the SNP administration for their handling of the issue.
Lothian Region Scottish Conservative MSP Sue Webber said: 'The SNP's sustained neglect of frontline policing efforts has shamefully left the force unable to investigate every crime.
'It should never have reached the point where those living in the capital feel they have no option but to take matters into their own hands.
'This must act as an urgent wake-up call for SNP ministers who have turned a blind eye to the recruitment and retention crisis within Scotland's police for too long.
'Rather than continually slashing policing budgets the SNP need to give our police the resources to protect our communities and ensure Edinburgh residents are confident they will be supported when reporting criminal activity.'
Whereas Edinburgh Southern Scottish Labour MSP Daniel Johnson said 'Motorcycle theft is a significant problem in my community and across Edinburgh.
'Under the SNP, frontline policing is under immense pressure and we can see the consequences of this.
'The SNP must listen to communities and work with the police to make sure this growing problem is addressed and these crimes are not given a free pass.'
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Comment from BMF here.
Chief Inspector Kieran Dougal said: "We are aware of the negative impact and understandable community concerns resulting from motorcycle thefts.
"Our locally based Initiative Teams, Response, Community and CID officers, complemented by our Road Policing colleagues, have and will continue to focus on identifying offenders, preventing and deterring incidents and providing community reassurance.
"Partnership is key, and our Prevention, Interventions and Partnerships team are working with partners, including the motorcycling community, to raise awareness and share crime prevention and security advice. To allow us to target our activities, we encourage communities to report incidents via 101, and should anyone have information as to the identity of those involved in these thefts, this can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
Paul Morgan of the British Motorbike Federation claimed motorbike thefts are growing at the same time as police budgets are shrinking across the UK.
Paul said: "Thousands of motorcycles, scooters and mopeds are stolen across the UK each year with many being used by organised criminal gangs for wider criminal activity, including theft and county lines drug activity, where illegal drugs are transported across police and local authority boundaries.
"There has been a surge in motorcycle thefts over the last decade, particularly in major UK cities, with motorcycles, scooters and mopeds often stolen to order to be used in wider criminal activity, exported overseas via UK ports or broken up as parts for re-sale. And the involvement of stolen motorcycles in wider criminal activity and anti-social behaviour (ASB) has become an increasing concern for the police, local authorities, and communities.
"Unfortunately, as organised crime gangs have moved their operations into motorbike theft, the number of police officers across the UK has fallen, with significant reductions in frontline police numbers seen between 2010 and 2018. Additional budget cuts have forced the police to prioritise violent crime over property crime. With fewer officers on the streets and stretched resources, many police forces have simply been unable to dedicate the time and manpower needed to tackle the organised gangs behind motorcycle theft who have been able to operate with relative impunity.
"Beyond the pure statistics, there are real people involved in what is a complex issue, often involving well-organised crime gangs and police seeking to counter their criminal activities but operating with insufficient resources, and where the financial and emotional impact of a motorcycle theft on owners can be very serious. Motorcycles are often more than just a mode of transport—they represent a passion, a lifestyle, and a personal investment. Losing a bike to theft can be devastating, not only because of the monetary value and higher insurance premiums that result ,but also because of the personal attachment many riders have to their bikes."
The Scottish Government defended Police Scotland and their record in tackling not only motorbike thefts but all crimes.
A government spokesperson said: 'Police Scotland have been clear that they continue to investigate all crimes.
'We are investing a record £1.64 billion for policing this year and our continued investment has enabled Police Scotland to take on more recruits in the last financial year than at any time since 2013, with further intakes planned throughout 2025.
'Scotland continues to have more police officers per capita than England and Wales and recorded crime is down 40 per cent since 2006-07.'
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