Merseyside police are joining forces with local hotels and the Isle of Man TT Races to tackle motorbike thefts.

Last year 22 reports were made about bikes being taken outside hotels in Liverpool City Centre in the lead up to TT.

The police have been raising awareness ahead of this year’s event, which starts this weekend, to inform TT fans who travel from all around Europe via the Steam Packet to and from Liverpool.

As part of the campaign, Merseyside police will be carrying out ’high-visibility policing’ of key locations and providing ’crime prevention advice’ at hotels and to race-goers.

Sergeant Dave Yorke from Matrix Roads Policing said: ’This operation is designed to raise awareness and reassure race-goers that we are deploying resources in the right places to ensure that would-be thieves are disrupted ahead of what promises to be a great TT event.

’Officers will be on the ground, and local businesses and hotels are working alongside us to ensure that CCTV coverage is in place and their staff are well aware of the issue.

’Working together, we can ensure that bikes are kept safe and secure in Liverpool, and I can assure people that we will 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.

’Spread the word, and ensure your bike is kept as secure as possible.’

Police advice that bike owners should use a good quality lock and park in clearly visible and well-lit areas, lock bikes together if travelling in a group, vary their parking location every night and to consider fitting a forensic marking system.

They also advice that if you see someone trying to steal a bike, call 999. If suspicious activity is seen, call 101.

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