Rise In Thefts

There's been a 105% increase in quad bike thefts in Fife, according to official figures.

43 were stolen between 2013/14, that's a five year high.

Figures released to Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Claire Baker show the total number of thefts average at around 1 every 8 days.
 
According to Ms Baker, the figures, released in answer to a parliamentary question laid by the Scottish Labour MSP, underlines an increase in anti-social behaviour on such vehicles and the need for local police to be given more 'tools in their box' to compliment Operation Ducati.
 
Claire Baker has been campaigning against the inappropriate use of quad bikes and motorised scooters in Fife and has previously raised the issue in Parliament calling for the Minister for Community Safety to look into strengthening fixed penalty notices.
  
Ms Baker said: “The dramatic increase in quad bike thefts in Fife underlines the rise in anti-social behaviour in Fife regarding quad bikes and similar vehicles.
 
“It is becoming increasingly clear that for the Police to be able to deal with this problem they need help and support from the Scottish Government including more tools in their box. One way this could be achieved is by strengthening fixed penalty notices.
 
“Only recently we have seen a dog, out with its owner, being run over and seriously hurt, next time it could easily be the owner or any local walking down the street. This is a big safety issue in the Levenmouth and Kirkcaldy area and must be stopped.
 
“The police are making a concerted and welcome effort to clamp down on the inappropriate use of these bikes and I am pleased that they took the time to meet with me and discuss Operation Ducati in detail.
 
“I am also pleased that the Scottish Government has taken forward my calls to promote the DVLA’s voluntary registration scheme and will be writing to the organisation for more details.”