How to prevent your motorcycle being stolen

Over 35,000 motorcycles, scooters and mopeds are reported stolen each year in the UK. That’s equivalent to 1 in every 40 motorcycles disappearing when their owner’s backs are turned.

Mopeds and scooters are the highest risk group. They make up 26% of the total number of motorcycles registered, but account for 56% of all thefts. Low capacity motorbikes also have a higher risk of theft over more powerful models. 80% of motorcycles that are stolen are never seen again.

The top 5 crime areas for motorcycle thefts are:

The lowest reported crime areas for motorcycle thefts are perhaps unsurprisingly, rural areas and include Northern Scotland, Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Tayside and Wiltshire.

Tips for preventing your motorcycle being stolen
There’s a lot you can do to prevent your motorcycle being stolen. Follow these tips and hopefully you will always find your motorcycle where you left it.

Alarm it
If your motorcycle hasn’t already got one fitted, get a combined alarm and electronic immobiliser fitted. Thatcham (www.thatcham.org) and Sold Secure (www.soldsecure.com) recommend some of the best. You will probably get a discount on your insurance too, so it’s well worth the investment.

Secure it
Ensure your motorcycle is adequately secured at all times. Always put the steering lock on and buy a good quality disc lock or better still, a U-lock. Make sure you use it at all times, even if you’re only leaving your bike for a few minutes. Always chain your motorcycle to something immovable and try to keep the lock raised so it can’t be broken by someone hitting it against the ground.

Mark it
Security mark as many parts of your motorcycle as possible, using your postcode or registration number. This will act as a great deterrent for thieves, but will also dramatically increase the likelihood of you getting it back if it is stolen, especially if the number plates are changed by the thief.

Garage it
If you’ve got a garage, shed or lean-too where you can get your motorcycle off the road over night, then use it and lock it if you can. If this is not possible ground anchors are a good bet and always cover your bike if you can, it’ll make it harder for someone to steal it and may just put them off.

Lock it
Sounds like an obvious one, put never leave your bike unattended with the keys in the ignition, even for a minute. When you’re not riding, keep your keys where they can’t be lifted when you’re not looking.

Don’t leave it
If you leave your helmet or personal possession on your bike, then you can expect them to be nicked.

Off-road bikes
If you ride an off-road bike, you can get the DVLA to register it on their database. All they need is your name and address, and the frame and engine numbers. If your bike is stolen and recovered the police will then be able to return it to you. The service is free, so do it now. www.dvla.gov.uk

Buyer beware
If you're buying a secondhand motorcycle or even just parts for your bike, be very wary of anyone offering you a bargain. Make sure the registration documents match up with the motorcycle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and check the bike's history with HPI Group Ltd www.hpicheck.com. They make a small charge for this service, but it’s well worth it. If you later find out your bike’s been stolen and the police take it away, you’re unlikely to get your money back. They will also tell you if your bike is a rebuilt insurance write-off.

Have you been involved in a motorcycle accident?
Motorcycle riders are one of the most vulnerable road users. It is likely if you’re a motorbike rider that you will come off your bike at least one in your lifetime. Hazards include: other road users, poorly maintained road surfaces and mud or other debris on the road.

If you have had an motorbike accident in any circumstance where someone else was responsible, ie: the council, a building contractor or another road user, you are entitled to make a claim for compensation for damage to your machine and clothing and compensation if you have been hurt.

Free legal advice now
We offer free legal advice and assistance to motorcycle riders, who have been injured in an accident caused by someone else. Call us now for friendly and impartial advice. We’ll tell you what all your options are.