Robin Broughton, Motorcycle Development Underwriter said:
“The Spring and Summer months see more motorcycles on the road, providing more opportunities for organised and opportunistic motorcycle thieves as owners roll-out their pride and joy after the winter hibernation or invest in a new machine.
“The speed with which a motorcycle can be stolen and the brazenness of some thefts - with vehicles often being stolen in broad daylight - makes it dangerous to assume that these crimes are conducted under the cover of darkness. Far from it, more visibility gives rise to more thefts and it’s vital the motorcycling community are aware of the steps they can take to both reduce the risk of theft and increase the likelihood of the bike being recovered intact if it is stolen.
“Sadly, motorcycles are four times more likely to be stolen than cars, with 26,000 taken a year[3] and we know that 40% of victims of motorcycle theft decide to leave the motorcycling community as a consequence of the crime. With new motorcycle registrations on the up and the promise of longer days as we enter British Summertime, we have produced our top tips to keep thieves at bay.”
Top Tips from Ageas to protect against Motorcycle Theft
Get it covered by a specialist
When arranging insurance, check for MCIA membership and dedicated claims handling expertise. Motorcyclists need to be covered by an insurer who understands the technicalities and the passion behind motorcycling.
Ageas offers Optima Bike and Optima Classic Bike, created in consultation with motorcyclists. Nearly all of its team of claims handlers has passed the Compulsory Basic Training and just under half are taking their full motorcycle test so that they can really get into the mindset of motorcyclists.
Register and mark your bike
Make sure the motorcycle is registered under the MASTER (Motorcycle and Scooter Tagged Equipment Register) Security Scheme, launched by the MCIA. Using a mixture of visible and concealed tags on the different parts of the bike, the MASTER scheme not only deters thieves, but can be used by the police to help recover the motorcycle if it is stolen.
The Motorcycle Crime Reduction Group - which Ageas is a member of - confirmed that over 70,000 motorcycles are now registered under the MASTER scheme since it was launched in 2013, taking the theft rate from an average of 2.6% to 0.98%4.
Step up security away from home
It can take as little as four seconds to disarm an immobiliser and break the steering lock on a motorcycle. Using a large chain and securing a bike to an immovable object used to be an effective deterrent, it is now recommended bikers only use Thatcham approved locks and most importantly make sure the lock and chain are off the ground and not simply wound through the front wheel. It is also recommended that motorcyclists get an alarm or immobiliser fitted by a professional or by the manufacturer.
Out of sight out of mind
Invest in a secure bike store or failing that keep it covered and out of sight. Motorcycles that are not visible to passers-by are much less likely to become targets for thieves.
Robin Broughton concludes “Whilst it is impossible to stop determined thieves from targeting other people’s motorcycles, by implementing a variety of security measures, motorcyclists can limit the chance of their motorcycle ending up in the wrong hands.”
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