A top-level public meeting has been called to crackdown on motorbike thefts which have reached "epidemic" levels.

Statistics reveal that the number of bikes being stolen in the Medway and north Kent area was now ranked as among the highest in the country.

Thefts range from expensive models snatched-to-order by organised gangs to scooters and cheaper lower powered machines popular with delivery riders and youngsters.

Figures obtained by the MAG through the Freedom of Information act found Kent was seventh of 40 constabularies for the number of bikes stolen.

In 2020, 213 motorbikes were stolen in Kent. Medway had the highest number at 47 followed by Dartford with 28.

Between January and September of 2022, 289 and had been taken with Medway again the most affected with 67 thefts. Gravesham was second with 43 followed by Dartford with 41.

Of those 289 bikes, 48 were recovered, 14 arrests were made.

The crimewave has prompted the north Kent branch of the Motorcycle Action Group to organise the meeting to tackle issues such as reducing theft, improving stolen bike recovery and reassurance that criminals will be given more realistic sentences.

Guest speakers due to take part in in a Q&A at the Star Meadow Sports Club in Gillingham include the Kent Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott and a high-ranking officer from Kent Police.

Representatives from MAG, which lobbies and campaigns on behalf of bikers nationally, Biker, Biker, a stolen bike recovery group and Medway Community Safety Group, along with victims, have also been invited to attend.

Steve Mallett from the north Kent group said: "We campaign on a lot of issues. But all bikers are united in one thing, the curse of bike thefts which has reached epidemic proportions."

Mr Mallet, 72, who has been riding bikes since he was a teenager, said a lack of police resources to catch culprits was playing a significant part in the upsurge.

And the light sentences handed out to offenders was also instrumental.

He said: "Police targeted an estate in Gillingham recently and picked up six to seven youths and 11 bikes were recovered. But they were all under 16 and given a slap on the wrist."

He said thefts had also led to social and financial implications to bike owners.

He said: "Thieves operate with little or no fear of being caught.

"The police, hamstrung by manpower and budget cuts, offer little or no assistance to victims who discover their motorcycle stolen and then are unable to get to work or college and can ill-afford the increased insurance premiums resulting."

His colleague JC, a 69-year-old former teacher from Chatham, described how he was was followed by two youths on bikes as he rode his £15,000 Kawasaki along the A2.

He said: "I had a more powerful machine,so was able to pull away and lose them. But I'm pretty sure they were waiting to see where I parked up with a view to taking it.

"Some times you get two on a bike and one gets off to nick your bike."

Both veteran bikers said greater security was key to deterring the thieves.

Steve, who lives in Higham, said: "A steering lock is not effective, one kick and it can be broken.

"I understand some locks, alarms and trackers can be expensive."

The police are due to give away 25 motorcycle locks and chains to young riders and learners at the meeting at 8pm on Wednesday March 15 at the Darland Road venue.

In October there were a string of motorbike thefts at businesses along the same road on Medway City Estate in Strood.

A bike valued at about £4,000 was stolen just days after the owner bought on the first day he rode it to work.

Another went from a car park at a neighbouring business in Sir Thomas Longley Road and the forecourt of a nearby scaffolding company was also targeted around about the same time.