June 13th, 2025.



Merseyside Police, in collaboration with Liverpool City Council, Liverpool BID Company, Lancashire Constabulary, Isle of Man Constabulary, the National Vehicle Crime Reduction Partnership (NVCRP), the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG), and the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF), celebrates the continued success of Operation Needle, which significantly reduced motorcycle thefts during the 2025 Isle of Man TT Races (May 26–June 7). This established annual campaign ensures a safer experience for motorcyclists traveling through Liverpool, a key transit hub for the world-renowned event.

Operation Needle was directly supported by financial contributions from NVCRP, the MAG Foundation and BMF. These funds enabled enhanced security measures in Liverpool city centre, including Oxford heavy-duty bike chains, additional barriers near hotels, increased police patrols, and electronic detection equipment. The initiative achieved outstanding results, with no reported motorcycle thefts in the city centre locations where these measures were applied. Across Liverpool, only two motorcycles were reported stolen during the 2025 TT period, a significant reduction from five in both 2023 and 2024, and 12 in 2022.

MAG helped raise awareness by producing a video interview with Merseyside Police to educate riders on theft prevention and advertising the initiative, acknowledging the contributions of BMF and NVCRP.

The BMF, NVCRP and also the National Motorcyclists Council (NMC), supported the campaign through their networks, reinforcing the collective effort to protect motorcyclists’ vehicles during the TT festival.

Sergeant Craig Winstanley, Operation Needle, 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. While it is regrettable two people suffered the anguish of having their motorbikes stolen, significantly less people fell victim than previous years. This is thanks to our joint effort with partners and our commitment to listen to the motorcycle community, consider their concerns and take action to protect motorcycles. From speaking to motorcyclists from both the UK and overseas, they have given us really positive feedback about the security measures we have been able to implement thanks to the additional funding we have received. They were able to enjoy everything Liverpool has to offer without their trip being tainted, and we hope to build on this success for future events.”

Mark Kameen, Project Lead, NVCRP, said: “The NVCRP is pleased to have supported this year’s Operation Needle in partnership with Merseyside Police, the BMF, and MAG. The deployment of targeted crime prevention measures has proven to be an effective deterrent, with no reported motorcycle thefts in areas where the security provisions were in place.

“Achieving a 100% reduction in thefts compared to previous years highlights the impact of proactive, collaborative efforts. This initiative stands as a clear example of how public and private sector partnerships, underpinned by strategic investment and a preventative approach, can deliver meaningful results in the fight against organised vehicle crime.”

Colin Brown, MAG’s Director of Campaigns and Political Engagement commented: “MAG is proud to have contributed financially through the MAG Foundation, and supported outreach efforts, including our video with Merseyside Police, to make Operation Needle a success. Working alongside BMF and NVCRP, we’ve helped protect riders’ bikes and strengthened the motorcycling community’s trust in Liverpool as a safe transit point for the TT. We look forward to future work with Merseyside Police”

Paul Morgan CBE, BMF’s Government Relations Executive said: "The BMF was pleased to support "Operation Needle", working in partnership with the Police and other agencies to deliver a successful anti-crime initiative that ensured motorcyclists had a safe and enjoyable time in Liverpool en-route to the TT races.

"Motorcycle theft is unfortunately a continuing problem and the BMF is determined to work with the Police, local Councils, and fellow motorcycling organisations like the NMC and MAG, to tackle it.

"The results from "Operation Needle" speak for themselves and show what a targeted, partnership approach to tackling bike theft can deliver."

Liverpool City Council and Liverpool BID Company coordinated logistics and engaged local businesses, while Lancashire Constabulary and Isle of Man Constabulary provided operational support. The partnership’s success, with zero thefts in targeted city centre areas and only two citywide in 2025, underscores the effectiveness of collaborative action in tackling motorcycle theft.

Merseyside Police encourages motorcyclists to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to 101, via @MerPolCC on X, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. For more information on Operation Needle, contact Merseyside Police.


www.uknmc.org