Top Tips to Avoid Motorcycle Theft

Sad but true - more motorcycles and scooters are stolen than cars and even less are recovered.

What can you do to help avoid this, well there are a few simple precautions to reduce the risk your motorcycle or scooter being stolen.

Fact:  It takes no more than 15 - 20 seconds for your bike to be taken, chucked in the back of a van and IT'S GONE!

Fact:  There are things you can do to avoid losing your pride and joy:

1. Fit Security Alarms And Immobilisers.  Why make it easy ?  No security device is a sure-fire protection on its own; if in doubt ask th Police for advice. Your insurance companies might offer discount in their premium if you take security measures.  Make sure the device you fit is either Thatcham or Sold Secure approved, as these meet the highest standards.  You can find out more about alarms, immobilisers and other security devices by calling:  Vehicle Security National Helpline on 0870 550 2006   or Sold Secure Helpline on 01327 264687
2. Mechanical Security- Use security chains, disc locks, or U bolts.  But these are no use left at home, make sure you always have them with you. They may be bulky, but they are an added deterrent.  The disc lock alone can be quickly removed by thieves and can cause problems if you forget to take them off before riding away.  Most importantly, secure your bike to a fixed object - it is easy to pick up the bike, chains and all, and carry it away in a vehicle; this is the most common form of bike theft.
3. Marking Systems.  Thieves are very often after the bike parts to sell on. Mark as many of the parts as possible to make the motorcycle less attractive to thieves who may steal a bike to sell on for parts.
4. Ultra Violet Pens. These provide a cheap and easy way of marking bike parts; you can use your postcode and/or the vehicle's registration number. 
5. Security at Home.  any bikes are removed from the owner's garage. A ground anchor provides good and simple security against your bike being removed from your garage.  You could also fit a silent alarm that will alert you if someone tries to enter your garage.   Keep your keys in a safe place and always lock your garage. 
6. Off Road Bikes.  Thieves are more attracted to Trials, Moto Cross and Enduro bikes because they are more difficult to trace once stolen.

 USEFUL CONTACTS TO HELP YOU PROTECT YOUR BIKE:

THATCHAM (The Motor Insurance Repair Centre)  Provides information on immobilisers and other security devices

Colthrop lane, Thatcham,
Berkshire RG19 4NP

Tel: 0870 550 2006
www.thatcham.org

 Sold Secure  Provides information on a range of recognised security products, visit regularly to find the latest products.

Tel: 01327 264 687

E-mail: admin@soldsecure.com
www.soldsecure.com

Association Of British Insurers (ABI)  Lots of information on insurance group ratings and vehicle security

51 Gresham St, London, EC2V 7HQ

Phone: 0207 600 3333

E-mail: info@abi.org.uk
www.abi.org.uk

AA Machine inspections and history checks.

Phone: 0870 600 0371

E-mail: customer.services@theaa.com
www.theaa.co.uk

RAC  Machine inspections and history checks.

Phone: 0870533 3660

www.rac.co.uk

Vehicle Security Installation Board  Lists fully accredited alarm and security installation companies.

Bates Business Centre, Church road
Harold Wood, Romford, Essex RM3 0JF

Phone: 01708 340 911

www.vsib.co.uk

HPI Group  Check into the background of your second hand motorcycle

Dolphin house. PO Box 61, New Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 2TB

Phone: 01722 422 422
www.hpicheck.com

British Motorcyclist's Federation  14-16 Briton St, Leicester, LE5 0AA

E-mail: enquiry@bmf.co.uk

www.bmf.co.uk

Motorcycle Action Group  Central Office, PO Box 750, Rugby. CV21 3ZR

E-mail: central-office@mag-uk.org

www.mag-uk.org