Operation Needle by the Merseyside Police has claimed the successful recovery of six out of eight motorcycles stolen during the TT Races in the Merseyside region, leading to three arrests. Over 7,000 motorcyclists travelled through Liverpool City Centre to the Isle of Man, prompting extra police deployment.
Craig Winstanley of Merseyside Police reported a strong 75% recovery rate and continued efforts to track down remaining stolen bikes.
Winstanley said, “Liverpool city centre has welcomed several thousand motorcyclists over the past two weeks as they travelled to the Isle of Man TT festival… Unfortunately, some groups have seen this as an opportunity to target motorcyclists staying within the city centre.”
Key highlights identified by Merseyside Police include:
- Two German bikers reunited with their motorcycles on 28 May after theft in Queens Drive, Walton.
- A French tourist’s motorcycle recovered from Snowdrop Street and returned in Kirkdale.
- Three arrests and 12 stop searches conducted during the operation.
Winstanley praised the collaboration with Liverpool City Council, Liverpool BID Company, Liverpool Ports Police, and the Isle of Man Constabulary.