POLICE have warned moped and motorcycle owners in York to be on their guard, after the number of vehicle thefts soared in recent weeks.

Last month, ten machines were stolen in Huntington and New Earswick, compared with only one or two in a typical month.

Police say gangs have been taking the vehicles for a few hours, and then dumping them.

PC Paul Beckwith, pictured, neighbourhood police officer for the area, said: "You get groups looking for mopeds to steal, then they ride them around and then dump them.

"The majority of the bikes have been found fairly quickly and most are damaged with the locks being smashed.

"This sudden rise in moped and motorcycle thefts is of concern, and I would urge all residents in the Huntington area to be vigilant to this sort of crime, and to report anything suspicious to the police as soon as possible."

PC Beckwith issued a list of tips to reduce the risk of their vehicle being stolen.

He said owners should fit a combined alarm and immobiliser; park in a garage, or in a well-lit area overlooked by occupied buildings; secure their bike to an immovable object using a metal chain; mark the vehicle with Datatag or Alphadot markings; and avoid leaving their helmet and other items with the vehicle.

Last month, the Home Office launched a campaign to combat moped thefts, after it emerged that more than 20,000 are stolen across the country as a whole each year.

Currently, 60 per cent of stolen scooters are taken from the owner's front garden, and only 50 per cent of owners lock their bike when they leave it.

Updated: 10:26 Monday, May 02, 2005