A knifeman involved in stealing motorbikes from TT race-goers has been jailed.

Sean Johnson, 22, was arrested in Liverpool during a summer operation to target thefts of motorbikes in the lead-up to the race festival.

In 2017, there were 22 reports of motorbikes being taken from outside hotels in the city centre ahead of that year’s TT.

On Thursday May 31 this year, officers attended a report of suspicious activity involving scooters in the Wapping area of the city.

Johnson, from Wavertree Road in Liverpool, was detained in possession of a knife.

Enquiries established that a scooter was displaying a stolen number plate.

stolen

Johnson was charged with driving whilst disqualified, handling stolen goods, having no insurance, possession of a knife and breach of a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).

He was sentenced to 32 weeks in prison at Liverpool Crown Court, disqualified from driving for 10 weeks, and ordered to pay costs.

Sergeant Dave Yorke, from Liverpool Constabulary’s matrix roads policing unit, said: ’The sentencing of Johnson was one of many examples of our officers proactively patrolling the city centre area in May, to successfully deter and disrupt criminals operating in the area in the lead up to the TT.

’Race-goers travel from across Europe to attend the event, many of whom travel on high-powered motorbikes, and via the ferry from Liverpool to the Isle of Man.

’This year, as a result of a policing operation, there was a significant decrease in theft offences reported by attendees and we will employ similar tactics in the future to ensure that race-goers and their bikes are safe.

’Working together, we can continue to ensure that bikes are kept safe and secure in Liverpool and across Merseyside, and I can assure people that we will continue to rigorously pursue anyone who attempts to steal any vehicles at this or any time.

’We understand the distress and inconvenience that vehicle crime has, especially to people who have travelled vast distances, and we will do everything in our power to eradicate such incidents.’

Police have issued advice to motorcyclists to protect themselves and their machines.

â?¢ Use a good quality lock, or two, and always park in conspicuous and well-lit areas;

â?¢ If riding in a group, lock your bikes together overnight;

â?¢ Don’t park in the same place every night - vary your parking location;

â?¢ Consider fitting a forensic marking system;

â?¢ If you see someone trying to steal a bike, don’t try and stop them, call 999;

â?¢ If you know anything about motorcycle crime, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.