Keeping your bike safe: motorbike theft prevention

We’re seeing more motorbike thefts happening this summer, and we saw a slight increase in reporting in May and June.

Motorbikes, mopeds and scooters are often targeted by opportunistic thieves because they are fast getaway vehicles and can be easier to conceal than something larger, like a car or van.

We, and other UK police forces, are united in our simple message: a multi-layered approach to security is the best way to protect your bike.

By combining physical deterrents with good parking choices and proactive registration, riders can significantly reduce their risk of becoming a victim of crime.

Here’s a few top tips and some guidance:

• Three actions form the basis of effective motorcycle security: Lock, Chain, Cover. Treat it like a mantra whenever you park your bike!
  • Lock: always use a physical lock, never rely on the steering lock alone. A combination of locks makes a thief’s job very difficult. Small, portable disc locks that attach to the brake disc prevent the wheel from turning, and some models feature an alarm as an added deterrent. D or U-locks are a strong option, locking the front wheel, while grip locks secure brake and throttle controls, immobilising the bike.
  • Chain: choose an immovable object and a high-quality chain to secure your bike – something like a ground anchor, street furniture, lamppost or sturdy railings (only if parking regulations allow, of course). Leaving slack in the chain or letting it rest on the ground makes it easier for thieves to use tools like angle grinders; keep the chain tight and off the ground, threading it through the bike’s rear wheel and frame for maximum security. Thatcham or Sold Secure Approved chains have been tested and offer a higher level of protection.
  • Cover: a cheap, simple cover can be one of the most effective deterrents. It conceals the make and model from thieves who may be ‘shopping’ for a specific type, keeps it out of sight and out of mind and adds an obstacle in terms of time and effort for a thief who would have to get it off before they can even access any locks.
• Parking and storage – where you leave it is just as important as how you secure it. Reduce thieving opportunities by parking in a public, well-lit place with high foot traffic, covered by CCTV footage, which provides a deterrent and can really help us with our investigation if the worst happens. Many bike thefts occur at home, so make use of a garage or shed if you have one, use a ground anchor and fit an alarm. Consider investing in other home security measures, and park your bike as close to your home as possible, in a well-overlooked area if you don’t have outdoor storage. Motorcycle lockers are also available to purchase.
• Property marking and alarms
  • Fitting a Thatcham-rated 1 or 2 alarm system with tracking, immobilisation, anti-grab and movement sensors can help protect and trace your vehicle, putting off thieves and possibly reducing your insurance premiums. Marking as much of your bike as possible will make it more difficult for criminals to sell parts on, and therefore less attractive to steal. It will also help us identify parts and return recovered stolen bikes. You can engrave or mark parts with a unique code or postcode, and register on a police-approved database like immobilise or BikeRegister.

• Finally, avoid leaving accessories like helmets on your bike and be mindful of what you post online. Using apps to record rides can inadvertently reveal your home address, although other technology like GPS trackers can be invaluable in helping us locate and recover your property if stolen.

We always advise not taking the law into your own hands – don’t try to find your stolen bike yourself. If the crime is in progress, call 999, or if you discover it’s gone, report it online. Giving us all the details such as any registration numbers or security markings, as well as any CCTV footage, will help.

For security products for your scooter, motorcycle or moped search the ‘Accredited products’ page on Secured by Design (a police-approved website).

If you see motorbikes being ridden illegally and/or antisocially, please do report any information you have to www.warwickshire.gov.uk/dobemin or phone 101 (remember to always call 999 in an emergency). Find out more about the ‘Dob ‘Em In’ campaign on the Safer Warwickshire Partnership website: safeinwarwickshire.com/crime-anti-social-behaviour/dob-em and ours: Seized bikes and safer streets: Operation Undertook making a difference | Warwickshire Police.

Issued: JB, Corporate Communications