A police officer who was taking part in a stolen vehicle course has had his motorcycle nicked. The Warwickshire officer's personal bike was snatched while he and a colleague studied a three-day course in Swindon, Wiltshire on how to identify stolen vehicles, reports CoventryLive.
The officer, who is on the force's Rural Crime Team, was learning how to identify vehicles even after offenders have adjusted or removed Vehicle Identification Numbers or other markings.
"The irony isn't lost on us!!," a team spokesperson said. "One of our Rural Crime Team officers had his personal motorbike stolen.....while he was attending a "Stolen Vehicle Examiner & Identification Course"!!
"Unfortunately, three unknown offenders stole the officer's bike at a hotel in the Swindon area during the early hours. Fortunately, the officer had fitted a disc lock, steering lock, immobiliser and three separate tracking devices to the bike that immediately disabled the bike on it being moved."
The bike was located a few hundred metres away with damage to the locks and electronics, the spokesperson said. The vehicle's electronic safety features had prevented the offenders from getting away with the bike.
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"After securing the bike, both officers attended the final day of training," the spokesperson added. "We're happy to report that they both passed the course, making them accredited stolen vehicle examiners for the team and Warwickshire Police."
Wiltshire Police is aware of the attempted theft, which happened in the early hours of Saturday, February 11, and have been working with the officer to prevent further incidents in the area. "No one is immune to criminality," the team said.
"But let's make it as hard as possible for offenders to get away with our pride and joy."
