Merseyside police continue to warn TT visitors to lock up their motorbikes to prevent thefts when in Liverpool.

Travelling tourists have again been targeted when making their way to the Isle of Man, despite police efforts.

Merseyside Police joined forces with hotels and Isle of Man TT Races in a campaign after 22 reports were made about bikes being taken from outside hotels in the city centre in the lead up to TT.

This year, a biker was reunited with their machine after it had been stolen overnight from a car park in Liverpool.

A tweet from Merseyside police, posted on Saturday (June 1), read: ’Thankfully we recovered it today as the rider didn’t vouch on there being three TPAC [Tactical pursuit and containment] cars just round the corner.

’This however acts as a reminder to lock and secure your bike properly!’

Last week we reported in the Courier a TT visitor had his bike stolen in Liverpool while travelling to watch the races for the first time.

Ranno Timmerman, from Black Forest in Germany, said his KTM 990 supermoto bike was taken before his eyes by two people on Monday (May 27).

The 56-year-old bike enthusiast said: ’There were hundreds of people around and nobody reacted - they [the thieves] were so fast. They must have been really professional guys.’

A Merseyside Police spokesman said: ’We received a report at 4pm on Monday, May 27 about the theft of a KTM 990 bike which was stolen from Dawson Street in Liverpool city centre.

’It was driven off in the direction of Peter Street.

’We would appeal for any information to DM [direct message] @MerPolCC, call 101 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.’

The number of bikes stolen from TT visitors in Liverpool could not be accurately given, the spokesman said.

They added that the police have issued out extra safety and road safety messages on its Facebook and Twitter pages to ensure that visitors’ bikes are kept secure.

This includes posts in Spanish, German as well as in English.

The post reads: ’We want to welcome those of you travelling to the Isle of Man TT.

’Please be aware that thieves will be on the lookout for unsecured parked motorcycles.

’Make sure you secure your bike with a strong lock, to something solid, if you are parking overnight.

’Lock it or lose it - Don’t let thieves ruin your TT.’

The message was also given via a video that has been backed by TT rider Peter Hickman.

A spokesman from the Isle of Man Constabulary confirmed there has been no reported bike thefts in the island during the TT festival.