A FORMER police officer has set up a group to tackle motorcycle thefts in several Somerset areas, including Weston-super-Mare.

Bikers Against Theft Somerset (BATS) has been set up by two victims of recent attempted motorbike thefts from their homes, to help other bike owners and to lobby for police to prioritise these crimes.

One of them, Andy Barron, served as a police officer in both Strathclyde Police and Avon & Somerset Constabulary until his retirement in 2021.

“I was devastated to be targeted by these thieves at my home in Weston-super-Mare in October,” he said.

“I’ve been a lifelong biker and like many others who own motorcycles, my bike is my pride and joy, and our homes should be a place of safety.

“I am pleased to say we have had regular communications and support from senior members of Avon & Somerset Police since writing to them about this prolific and organised crime gang,” Andy added.

The Facebook group (Bikers Against Theft Somerset) is a platform for raising awareness to fellow bikers in Somerset and provides a range of helpful information about security, preventing crime and details of stolen bikes.

In addition, members can share details of thefts privately for the group to add to their log.

Founders of the group are meeting the police to handover all evidence obtained from victims so far.