Own A Motorbike?

[Fidgits]

A recent survey by the National Crime Intelligence Service (NCIS) has revealed some shocking statistics. More motorbikes are stolen in the UK than are bought new, and it takes on average 20 seconds to steal a motorcycle worth £10,000.

The survey, based on the latest police figures on vehicle crime and performance bikes (500cc and above), is also the first to reveal some of the UK’s danger spots for motorcycle crime, and as such has been distributed to police forces around the country.

The report has shown that the theft of motorbikes in the UK has allowed criminal groups to steal £3 million worth of motorbikes from UK streets every month. Thefts are primarily undertaken to sell parts on the black market, although joyriding is also cited as a cause.

Organised crime

The report is part of Project Contrail, which targets the organised theft of high-powered motorcycles and is seen by many as a prelude to new bikes being registered as a legal requirement (similar to the car register requirement issued by the Home Office). Other results show the thefts are undertaken by a dozen well known, highly organised gangs.

Some of the key findings in the report include:

1. More thefts occur in large urban areas.

2. The thefts are undertaken by a dozen well known, highly organised gangs.

3. 80% of bikes stolen from an owner's home.

4. Thefts are concentrated around Central London, probably linked to patterns of commuting.

5. The top five areas for theft include West Yorkshire, West Midlands and Greater Manchester.

6. The top four makes of motorcycle that account for over 85 per cent of thefts are Hondas, Yamahas, Kawasakis, and Suzukis.

7. The Honda CBR 600 is the hottest bike, which retails at £6,500, with 350 of them stolen between July and September 2002.

Steven Powell, Head of the Project Team for the Organised Vehicle Crime Section (OVCS) at the National Crime Intelligence Service, says: "It is an appalling statistic that more motorcycles are stolen in the UK than were bought new.

"Urban centres are worst hit, and one favoured modus operandi is simple but effective. The criminals drive a large van up to a motorcycle where accomplices open the van door, thrust scaffolding poles through the wheels, and lift the bike into their vehicle."

"It takes as little as 20 seconds to steal a bike worth £10,000, and only 16 per cent of stolen bikes are recovered."

How to stop them stealing your bike

Surprisingly, most bikes irrespective of price are not fitted with additional security measures. Here are some simple ways to reduce the chance of theft:

As annoying as it is, most manufactures may not fit your bike with a Thatchem 2-3 way immobiliser. It is worth investing in one, as this is the primary method of defence.

Buy additional security locks and remote alarms.

Try and park in motorcycle designated areas where ground anchors are found. Although there are not a large number of these areas, they are more secure and growing in number.

If possible install a ground anchor at your home address and always keep the bike out of site.