Nothing is worse than walking out the door first thing in the morning only to find out your ride has been stolen. The good news is that motorcycle thefts in the U.S. have fallen for the fifth straight year, according to statistics just released by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). The number of thefts reported in 2013 was down to 45,367, compared to just over 46,600 the year before. The total number of thefts is down more than 32% since 2008.
According to the NICB, the top five states for motorcycle thefts in 2013 were California, Florida, Texas, North Carolina, and Indiana. Obviously, warm weather states are home to larger numbers of bike riders, especially those who love to ride year-round. We cannot explain what's going on in Indiana. Having said that, the manufacturers of the most oft stolen bikes are:
- Honda: 8,557
- Yamaha: 7,038
- Suzuki: 6,378
- Kawasaki: 4,736
- Harley-Davidson: 3,907
It would be interesting to know the specific models most often stolen in the US. From the list, it would appear that sport bikes are probably very popular. However, any bike can be stolen if a thief finds some value in it. Some bikes are stolen to be stripped down for parts, some are used to commit crimes, and still others are sold as-is after being exported to other countries.
Tips for Preventing Theft
While a truly determined thief can be difficult to stop, there are a number of things bike riders can do to make stealing a motorcycle more difficult. The more difficult you make it then the more effective you will be at deterring a theft. Here are a small handful of simple tips anyone can put into practice:
- Parking: Sensible parking is one of the best ways to protect your bike. When you're out and about, make sure your bike is parked in well-lit areas where obstructions are minimal. Lock your ignition, take your keys with you, and, if you have one, cover your bike with a bike cover or tarp.
- Anti-theft Devices: Even though there aren't as many anti-theft devices for motorcycles as there are for cars, such devices do exist. Check with your dealer to find out what products might be available for your make and model. If you choose to purchase an alarm, invest in one that sends a message to your smart phone in the event of a theft.
- Nuisance Strategies: Motor vehicle theft is all about speed. If you can put a number of things in play that will slow down and annoy thieves, they are more likely to give up. Consider using several layers of protection that add up to one big nuisance for the would-be thief. For example, you might chain both wheels to separate parts of the frame in order to force a thief to pick the locks or cut the chains. Being a nuisance slows down the thief considerably.
- Sales: A favorite game thieves like to play is to 'purchase' used bikes from private sellers using fake checks and money orders. Should you decide to sell your bike, don't turn over the keys and title until the check or money order has cleared. Better yet, insist on cash.
Always remember that there is no single line of defense that will protect your bike completely. You have to be diligent and creative in order to thwart the modern criminal. Nevertheless, doing so is well worth it, especially if your bike is among your most prized possessions.
