TWO motorbikes were stolen overnight in Swanage by three men wearing balaclavas.

On October 18, a motorbike on Steer Road was stolen at around 9.30pm before it was found dumped close to where it was taken.

A second motorbike was stolen on the same night at around 10pm from a parking area behind Ilminster Road.

Three suspects, all wearing balaclavas or face coverings, were seen attempting to steal the motorbike from Steer Road.

Police say enquiries into both thefts are ongoing.

“If you own a moped/motorbike try and park it in a garden or somewhere off the road, as this makes it less likely to be targeted,” a spokesperson for Purbeck Police said.

“Those parked in the street are less risky to the thief.

“Whether you park it out of sight or in the street, always try to put a chain or lock through a wheel.

“Thieves will try to quietly wheel away a motorbike and try to hotwire it somewhere away from the site of the theft so if the thief cannot wheel the bike away in the first place it will make it much less likely to be targeted.”

If you can aid police enquiries, get in touch by calling 101 or visit the Dorset Police website with the following reference numbers:

• Steer Rd – 55240161024
• Ilminster Rd – 55240161053