We’re not talking about helmets and boots; we mean motorcycle safety when you’re not riding it. The theft of motorcycles is included in the vehicle crime rates in our reports, but when we look at the rates of cars vs. motorbikes, mopeds and scooters, we can see they make up a significant chunk of those figures. Statistics for 2023 show that in Birmingham there were 31 thefts of motorbikes per 100,000 people and for Stoke-on-Trent there were 47. Cambridge topped the list at 99 per 100,000 residents.
The most commonly stolen motorbikes are the smaller engine models and scooters – ones which are desirable by joyriders, or for selling on. The bigger the bike, the heavier it is and the harder it is to steal, while smaller bikes may have a kick start or easy way of starting them without the keys. Bikes are also stolen to order for parts, so may be targeted by chop shops and again, the popular models will be the ones most people own.
Too many bikers rely on the steering lock on their bikes to stop them being stolen, but this is easily and quickly broken by a determined criminal, and the motorcycle can be simply wheeled away and into a waiting van. Use a disc lock on the front brake to prevent the front wheel moving, and consider a heavy duty D-lock through the front wheel as an added immobiliser.
A chain lock through the back wheel, ideally chained to a fixed object such as a ring embedded in concrete, or looped through the rear wheel and frame, presents a serious obstacle to a thief, even if they have come armed with tools. Using a grip lock stops the handlebar controls from being accessed and can deter would-be joyriders more so than people stealing for parts.
It is a good idea to keep your motorcycle covered, as this stops criminal gangs from targeting your bike when they’re shopping around for specific models of bike. When bikes are stolen to order they will drive around noting the locations of desirable bikes, so if yours is covered or out of sight it won’t end up on their list. A cover can be taken in a backpack or pannier bag, so you always have it with you.
When your bike is parked at home, consider wheeling it into a back garden, garage, shed, or other secure area. Keeping it out of sight, and behind even more locked barriers reduces the odds of it being stolen and can even reduce your insurance premiums. Another route to cheaper insurance is to fit a Thatcham approved alarm to the bike, which can deter thieves by disturbing them and drawing attention to their crime. Many of these alarm systems have a tracker which can help police locate your bike if it is stolen.
It is worth security marking the components of your bike, especially if they are after-market upgrades which might be targeted by thieves. Fancy exhausts, trim kits, HDMI lights and other extras are all an attractive target, but if they are obviously security marked they’ll be hard to shift, and very likely to tie the crook to the crime if they’re caught with the items.
Your domestic CCTV system can act as a further deterrent, especially if a camera is pointed at the bike or the access route to it, while using a garage or alarmed shed for storage means your intruder alarm system is playing a role in keeping your motorcycle safe. Call us today if you don’t have either of these, and we’ll get you sorted.