'More sophisticated' methods being used by motorbike thieves in Leeds as West Yorkshire Police launch campaign

There has been a growing trend of thieves using fake banking apps to con victims out of selling their motorbikes and off-road bikes in recent months, police say.

Sergeant Claire Williams, who leads the off-road bike team in Leeds, said: “What we are seeing is an increased level of sophistication in the way that certain individuals are stealing motorbikes. We do still have reports of people asking for a test drive and riding off, never to return, but what we are also seeing is bike thieves who are making it appear they are paying by using fake banking apps on their phone.

“With these apps it will look like you are inputting the seller’s bank details and transferring the money but in fact no transfer is taking place. We have even had instances where the seller has challenged the person posing as a buyer when no funds have appeared in their account and the ‘buyer’ has pretended to call their bank to verify the payment.”

Sgt Williams added: “Those involved in these kinds of crimes are taking steps to make what they do look legitimate. The apps they are using look like the real thing, and they may have an accomplice lined up on the other end of the phone to pose as a bank employee, making sure they ask all the right security questions and act in the way that people would expect from a bank.

“Motorcycles can be worth significant amounts of money and sadly there are people who are making a business out of stealing and selling on bikes. We need motorbike owners to be aware and be cautious if they are looking to sell on their vehicle to help protect themselves from this kind of crime.”

Anyone looking to sell a motorcycle is advised:

• Arrange to meet in a well-lit area with CCTV coverage. If you do not know the area, do some research beforehand. If they are a legitimate buyer, they should be happy to meet somewhere that suits both parties.
• Photograph or video the person that you are dealing with so that you have their image should a crime occur.
• Do not hand over the motorbike or any other property until you have confirmed that the money is in your account. If there are any concerns about the bank transfer, then contact your own bank yourself.
• Trust your instincts and if in doubt don’t go ahead with the sale.

“The other thing I would say is that if you are a victim of motorcycle theft then please report it. We know people may be embarrassed if they have fallen victim to a scam but please know that you are not alone and are not at fault. We need to understand the true picture of the offences that are occurring and links between them and we can only do that if all crimes are reported to us,” Sgt Williams added.

If you have information about an incident, then you can report it to via 101 or by using online reporting methods. If there is a crime in progress, then you should call 999.

Information can also be passed to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.