Race fans urged to secure their bikes on trip to island

Thousands of road racing fans are travelling to the Isle of Man over the next week for the Classic TT and Manx Grand Prix – many making their way on their own motorcycles.

Those making the journey will be travelling through ferry ports in Lancashire and Liverpool to board an Isle of Man Steam Packet Company ferry.

Representing the culmination of the road racing season on the island, the events run until 28 August, with racing set to begin on Saturday following a week of qualifying sessions.

Although keen to see people enjoy their trip to the island, the Isle of Man Constabulary is urging people not to become a victim of crime, or end up breaking the law themselves.

Police said it was important for those travelling on a motorcycle to keep their belongings secure at the ports to prevent opportunistic theft.

Simple steps to do that include using a disc lock on the front brake or a grip lock on the brake and throttle to make it harder to wheel the bike away.

A chain through the back wheel is also advised as well as securing the machine to a piece of immovable street furniture.

Fitting alarms, trackers and forensic marking, keeping the keys out of sight and covering the bike to hide the make and model can also help to deter thieves, police said.

People planning to stay on a campsite during their visit have also been urged to be vigilant.

Police said as the sites are busy with people enjoying themselves it was easy to become "distracted".

People have therefore been asked to be extra careful to secure possessions, avoid leaving valuables in a tent, and always keep cash, bank cards and passports with them at all times.

While police would be patrolling the campsites, they said keeping an eye on neighbours' tents and reporting any suspicious activity would help to keep everyone safe.

The force said: "The Isle of Man has a low crime rate, but opportunist thefts can and do occur when large numbers of visitors are on the Island.

"Most people are here to enjoy the racing and the atmosphere, but we cannot assume that everyone is here with good intentions."

Riders and drivers have also been asked to "make the right choices" when it comes to speed on the island's roads.

Officers said 64 people had been "dealt with" for speeding during last year's events and exceeding the limits could "place you and others at serious risk, and the consequences can be life changing".

"Please make sensible choices that help keep the event running safely and smoothly," they added.

Use of the devices anywhere near the course during road closure periods in not allowed.

Drone pilots have been urged to make sure they know the local rules imposed by the Isle of Man Civil Aviation Administration and not rely on reply on mapping software or apps.

"You must follow the published guidance and not fly drones anywhere near the course," police said.

"It is dangerous and illegal, and these restrictions are in place to protect riders, spectators, marshals and the wider public."

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