Motorcycle Thefts in Stourbridge: Shocking Statistics and a Plan for Action
Motorcycle theft has become a growing concern in Stourbridge. Almost daily, masked individuals on stolen bikes are seen riding recklessly without helmets, while local Facebook groups are filled with reports of stolen motorcycles. To uncover the extent of this issue, I submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the West Midlands Police. The statistics I received were both surprising and concerning, prompting me to question if the true scale of thefts is being reported.
Shocking FOI Statistics on Motorcycle Thefts
Here is the data on reported motorcycle thefts and attempted thefts in Stourbridge between January 2024 and December 2024:
| Neighbourhood | Jan | Mar | May | Jul | Aug | Nov | Dec | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lye and Stourbridge North | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | ||||
| Pedmore and Stourbridge East | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 6 | ||
| Wollaston and Stourbridge Town | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 6 |
Total thefts reported: 16
Additionally, only one report of “interference with motorcycles” (e.g., tampering with locks or covers) was recorded in November 2024 in Lye and Stourbridge North.
Why the Numbers Don’t Add Up
The statistics show only 16 thefts in Stourbridge for the year, far fewer than I would expect based on daily sightings and online reports. This raises critical questions:
- Are thefts being reported? Many motorcyclists may not report thefts due to a lack of faith in the police or the belief that their bike will not be recovered.
- Police limitations: Without specialized off-road units, police often cannot chase offenders, which might discourage reporting.
- Underreported suspicious activities: With only one reported case of interference, it’s likely that many potential crimes are not being flagged to the authorities.
Lack of Transparency in Outcomes
When I asked for information on the outcomes of these crimes—such as whether suspects were identified—the police invoked Section 31(3) of the Freedom of Information Act, citing the need to protect investigative tactics and priorities. While I understand the need for confidentiality, this lack of transparency makes it difficult to assess the effectiveness of law enforcement in addressing this issue.
My Plan to Combat Motorcycle Theft
If I were elected, I would take active steps to address this growing problem:
- Encourage reporting: I would work to rebuild trust between the community and the police, encouraging motorcyclists to report all thefts and suspicious activities.
- Strengthen community-police collaboration: By fostering better relationships and transparency, we can improve the effectiveness of law enforcement in addressing local crime.
- Request increased off-road patrols: I would advocate for the police’s off-road unit to patrol the area more frequently. This would not only help catch offenders but also act as a visible deterrent to prevent crimes before they happen.
Final Thoughts
Motorcycle theft isn’t just a loss of property—it’s a threat to the safety and security of our neighborhoods. The data provided by West Midlands Police highlights a worrying gap in reporting and response. If only 16 thefts were officially recorded, how many more went unreported?
As a community, we must take action. By reporting crimes, collaborating with the police, and advocating for proactive measures, we can make Stourbridge a safer place for everyone. Together, we can combat this growing issue and send a clear message to offenders: motorcycle theft will not be tolerated.
What do you think? Are the official statistics reflective of what’s happening in Stourbridge? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
