Merseyside Police, alongside Liverpool City Council and a coalition of national organisations, has hailed the 2025 edition of Operation Needle a resounding success, with motorcycle thefts in Liverpool during the Isle of Man TT period (26th May–7th June) falling to their lowest level in years.
Only two motorcycles were reported stolen across Liverpool during the TT fortnight—down from five in each of the last two years, and 12 in 2022. In the city centre locations covered by the initiative’s targeted measures, there were no reported thefts.
Funded by the National Vehicle Crime Reduction Partnership (NVCRP), the MAG Foundation and the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF), Operation Needle provided Oxford heavy-duty chains, security barriers near hotels, increased police patrols, and electronic detection equipment in high-risk zones.
Sergeant Craig Winstanley of Merseyside Police said: “It is great to see the work of many partner agencies paid off this year, with another reduction in the number of bike thefts. Motorcyclists from the UK and overseas gave us really positive feedback about the security measures we implemented thanks to additional funding.”
The NVCRP’s project lead, Mark Kameen, added: “Achieving a 100% reduction in thefts in protected areas highlights the impact of proactive, collaborative efforts. This initiative shows how strategic partnerships and preventative investment can deliver real results.”
MAG and BMF supported the campaign through financial backing and communications. MAG produced a theft prevention video with Merseyside Police, and the BMF highlighted the benefits of a coordinated approach.
Paul Morgan CBE of the BMF said: “The results from Operation Needle speak for themselves and show what a targeted, partnership approach to tackling bike theft can deliver.”
With operational support from Lancashire Constabulary and the Isle of Man Constabulary, and logistical coordination from Liverpool BID Company and Liverpool City Council, the campaign set a new benchmark in motorcyclist safety for future TT seasons.
