Motorcyclists to protest after 215 bikes stolen by ‘out of control’ robbery gangs

Today’s protest is being organised by Motorcyclists of Ireland, a community that was organised to promote the interests, safety and security of motorcycle enthusiasts.

Motorcyclists to protest after 215 bikes stolen by ‘out of control’ robbery gangs – SundayWorld.com (2024-03-23T02:30:00Z)

Bikers take to the streets to protest spate of robberies

Yesterday at 02:30

Hundreds of motorcyclists from across Ireland are due to hold a protest today against the rise in organised motorcycle thefts in the country.

According to figures obtained by the Irish Independent, 215 motorbikes have been stolen across Ireland so far this year, as well as 70 e-scooters, 31 scooters and three quad bikes.

Today’s protest is being organised by Motorcyclists of Ireland, a community that was organised to promote the interests, safety and security of motorcycle enthusiasts.

Starting at 11am on the Long Mile Road, riders will take a designated route through Crumlin, the Coombe, past St Patrick’s Cathedral, with garda support from around St Stephen’s Green, concluding at Molesworth Street.

“The event, organised by concerned riders and motorcycle enthusiasts, aims to raise awareness about the issue and call for greater powers and resources for An Garda Síochána to combat this criminal activity,” a spokesman said.

“In recent years, motorcycle theft has become a significant concern for riders in Ireland, with organised gangs targeting bikes for theft, joyriding and resale.

“These thefts not only result in financial losses for owners but also pose a serious safety risk to riders and the public, while driving up the cost of insurance premiums for all vehicle owners,” he added.

“We are tired of seeing our fellow riders become victims of motorcycle thefts orchestrated by organised criminal gangs,” said one of the organisers of the protest.

“As passionate motorcycle enthusiasts, we refuse to stand idly by while these criminals continue to operate with impunity. It’s time for the authorities to take decisive action to protect our community and put an end to this scourge,” he said.

The protest comes after the Irish Independent revealed last month that gardaí are attempting to deal with several “out of control” teenaged robbery gangs, with a car or bike stolen in ­Dublin every three hours.

“These thefts not only result in financial losses for owners but also pose a serious safety risk to riders and the public, while driving up the cost of insurance premiums for all vehicle owners,” he added.

“We are tired of seeing our fellow riders become victims of motorcycle thefts orchestrated by organised criminal gangs,” said one of the organisers of the protest.

“As passionate motorcycle enthusiasts, we refuse to stand idly by while these criminals continue to operate with impunity. It’s time for the authorities to take decisive action to protect our community and put an end to this scourge,” he said.

The protest comes after the Irish Independent revealed last month that gardaí are attempting to deal with several “out of control” teenaged robbery gangs, with a car or bike stolen in ­Dublin every three hours.

In her response, Ms ­McEntee did not provide any figures in relation to the theft epidemic, saying: “I am advised by the garda authorities that An Garda Síochána investigates all motorbike thefts and tackles motorbike theft on a number of fronts, including targeted enforcement.

“An Garda Síochána is committed to carrying out enforcement and have initiated a number operations targeting motorbike theft across the country.”

However, many gardaí have been left frustrated that there is not a targeted operation to tackle the criminals behind the thefts of motorbikes and other vehicles.

A directive for gardaí with basic driving training states that they are not permitted to engage in any active role during a pursuit.

The Garda Representative Association (GRA) has said inadequate training and an ambiguous policy around pursuits makes it difficult for gardaí to pursue suspects.

“These thefts not only result in financial losses for owners but also pose a serious safety risk to riders and the public, while driving up the cost of insurance premiums for all vehicle owners,” he added.

“We are tired of seeing our fellow riders become victims of motorcycle thefts orchestrated by organised criminal gangs,” said one of the organisers of the protest.

“As passionate motorcycle enthusiasts, we refuse to stand idly by while these criminals continue to operate with impunity. It’s time for the authorities to take decisive action to protect our community and put an end to this scourge,” he said.

The protest comes after the Irish Independent revealed last month that gardaí are attempting to deal with several “out of control” teenaged robbery gangs, with a car or bike stolen in ­Dublin every three hours.