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       #Post#: 15--------------------------------------------------
       How did this biker/police relationship start?
       By: Sandman Date: December 21, 2018, 9:44 am
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       Back in the Tail end of 2016, Newspapers and Social Media were
       full of the exploits of Bike Theft gangs operating in Bristol
       and seemingly without recourse. There was a storm brewing in the
       community and the situation was tense. Bikes were being taken,
       owners sought out through social media appeals and burned with
       images streamed to the owners accounts.
       It was around this time that a biker approached Avon and
       Somerset Police. He was Ex-Police and Army himself so knew the
       level of risk was rising in the community. The effect of a
       normally law abiding member of the community being drawn into
       handing out his own punishment under these tense circumstances
       was not lost on him. His experience in Law meant he knew the
       owner of the bike would come off worse!
       With that he met with a Police Sergeant and relayed his fears
       and suggested that the Police work with the Biking Community.
       The sergeant was not aware there was such a large community, but
       promised that if he was to bring them to him, he would happily
       work with them. This resulted in a call being put out for a New
       Independent Advisory Group. The response can from Bikers,
       Business Owners and residents stepped up to the plate.
       Avon and Somerset Police admitted straight away that they had
       failed in their actions and more should have been done sooner.
       They stated they wanted the IAG to hold them to account and that
       is exactly what we do, and it isn't always pretty on either
       side.
       So far we have seen increases in convictions, increased Police
       Budgets, a better bonding of the biking community and the
       achievements and changes that were made over the last year are
       as long as your arm resulting in a very healthy reduction in
       bike thefts.
       Each year we ride with a large group of others the raise
       awareness and show solidarity to the victims of bike theft and
       related anti social behaviour - and the rest is history!
       Moving ahead, we are looking into doing much more as funds
       allow. This is completely self funded and funds are very low
       now! Therefore we have decided to charge membership to the page
       to allow the work we do to continue.
       We will continue to educate owners on security measures, and
       make people aware of the theft situation through attending shows
       and having days of leaflet dropping in prone areas. We work with
       suppliers and insurers to help bikers get good deals - so as
       bikers do your bit and LOCK YOUR BIKES! It's that 2 minutes drop
       into a shop to grab a bite to eat, or pay for your fuel that
       holds the highest risk for you.
       You can also spread the word, watch our Facebook and Twitter
       feeds and share posts and spread the word in the communities to
       seek us out. If you see anything suspicious report it - thieves
       can only operate if you give the the cloak of anonymity through
       ignorance - so if you see anything remotely suspicious or have
       any intel, CALL IT IN!
       Nothing Changes in a Silent Room - so do your bit and get
       yapping!
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