An unprecedented success in city centre policing was recorded during this year’s Isle of Man TT motorcycle festival, thanks to a targeted crime prevention initiative led by Merseyside Police in collaboration with Liverpool BID Company through the BID Safety Partnership.

Operation Needle, supported by two Merseyside Police-funded officers through the BID Safety Partnership, focused on tackling motorcycle thefts during the high-profile motorcycling event. The results speak for themselves: for the first time ever, there were zero reported motorcycle thefts in Liverpool City Centre during the event period (Friday 23rd May until Friday 6th June 2025)

Sergeant Craig Winstanley, Merseyside Police praised the collaborative effort and highlighted the measurable impact:

“These crime prevention measures, coupled with a joined-up approach between Merseyside Police, hotels, car park providers and other external stakeholders, resulted in there being no reported motorcycle thefts within Liverpool City Centre this year. This is a 100% reduction compared to 2024 when there were 5 reported motorcycle thefts within the city centre.

I want to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to you for your support of this operation and for showcasing why Liverpool City Centre is a great place to live, work and visit.”

The highlights from the operation are:

  • No reported motorcycle thefts within Liverpool City Centre
  • One outstanding stolen car recovered by Op Needle patrol in Ropewalks area
  • One scooter was seized by Roads Policing after failing to stop on Leeds Street
  • One arrest for drink driving was made by Liverpool Ports Police following a report from staff at the Isle of Man Ferry Terminal
  • Seven Safer S1 Pods were deployed to hotels along the waterfront
  • Over 30 bike chains were distributed to nine hotels across the city centre
  • Five BID Radio link devices were loaned to hotels to improve communication and coordination
  • Liverpool City Council donated more than 40 crowd control barriers, which were installed in hotel car parks to create designated parking areas for motorcyclists

These proactive safety measures reflect the strength of partnership working across city stakeholders, with hotels, car park providers, and local authorities playing a vital role in the operation’s success.

Liverpool BID Company’s Safety Partnership, which funds two full time dedicated police officers in the city centre, continues to be instrumental in delivering a safe and welcoming environment for visitors and residents alike.

Operation Needle stands as a model for collaborative policing and crime prevention, and this year’s success demonstrates the powerful impact of community-focused action.

Read the result letter from Sergeant Craig Winstanley here