An estimated 30,000 motorcycles are reported stolen each year, according to Home Office figures. With only 40% of these vehicles expected to be recovered, many remain unaccounted for. Frustratingly, even when stolen bikes are retrieved, often they’re not in a recognisable or usable condition.
If you have a cheap motorbike or an old model, you may assume that your bike is at little risk of being taken. However, in reality, it’s not only the luxury cruisers or expensive sports bikes that are stolen.
In fact, low capacity machines are often targeted because of a growing number of moped gangs using these vehicles to commit crimes.
Sometimes, motorbikes fall victim to opportunistic thieves who pounce at the sight of an easy-to-steal bike, regardless of its value.
To protect your motorcycle, here are a few straightforward yet effective security tips:
Lock, chain, cover
Lock
It goes without saying that a lock plays a crucial role in protecting your motorbike from theft. A disc lock can help to secure the front brake disc while a grip lock can help to keep the brake and throttle controls secure. A D lock on the front wheel can also be ideal to stop someone from wheeling the bike away.
Chain
A common way that thieves steal motorcycles is by breaking the steering lock and wheeling the vehicle away. By placing a chain lock through the back wheel, you can prevent this from happening. Be sure to secure your bike to an immovable object. When storing the bike at home, a ground anchor can be ideal.
If you don’t have any other heavy or immovable objects to attach your bike to, threading a chain through the frame and back wheel is the next best option.
Cover
Although all motorbikes are at risk of theft, certain models are likely to be at an even greater risk due to their value. By covering your motorcycle, you’re likely to decrease the likelihood that someone invests time into stealing your motorbike – particularly in public spaces.
Garage park
When you’re at home the best place to keep your motorbike is in your garage or shed. The Met Police recommend that, if you can, fit a garage door defender or upgrade your garage door locks. Adding a garage alarm, as well as low level dusk to dawn lighting, can also enhance security.
Fit an alarm
Alarms are often overlooked, particularly by new riders. Look out for a Thatcham-rated 1 or 2 alarm system with tracking, immobilisation, anti-grab and movement sensors. Not only can these advanced alarms prevent your motorbike being taken in the first place, they can also help you trace it in the event that it is stolen. Thatcham-approved alarms can also help you reduce your insurance premiums.
Mark the bike
Marking your motorcycle might seem like an unappealing move, particularly if you go to great lengths to prevent scratches and other types of cosmetic damage. However, if you don’t intend on selling the motorbike on, marking it can be a brilliant deterrent. Having it professionally marked by the police tends to be the most effective move and this can also help you get the bike back if it is stolen.
