ABR’s resident expert of all things two-wheeled answers your questions.
Question
Hi Dave, I’ve recently returned to the UK after working abroad for the last few years. A new bike is high on my list of future purchases for commuting and pleasure. But, reading in newspapers and social media, it seems motorcycle theft has increased quite a bit during my time away. Any suggestions on how to keep my pride and joy safe?
Thanks Gerald
Answer
Hi Gerald, You’re not the only person to ask me about this subject lately. It does seem like bike crime is on the increase in towns and cities, or maybe the press is reporting it more. Either way, you’re right to have bike security high on your list of priorities for riding in the UK.
Overall, your aim is to make your motorcycle as difficult to steal as possible. Ideally, a thief will take one look at your security measures and decide your bike is not worth the effort. Alternatively, you want your security measures to slow a thief down for as long as possible, hopefully stalling them for long enough for someone to raise the alarm. If the worst happens and your bike is pinched, you want to give yourself a good chance of recovering it.
Let’s start with the basics. Most newer bikes have immobilisers and some will have alarms fitted to them, together with steering locks. While these are useful, it won’t stop criminals picking a bike up and loading it into a van, plus people generally pay little attention to alarms going off in the street and treat it more as a nuisance than a sign crime is being committed.
So, let’s think about home security. If you keep your bike in a garage, a shed, or even the garden, a ground anchor firmly cemented into the ground that is used alongside an extremely strong chain and padlock will be a deterrent to thieves. Buy the best chain and lock that your budget allows as cheap products can easily be overcome.
Your local bike shop or specialist internet sellers will have good-quality products. The same goes for disc locks which you attached to your brake disc to make it harder to move you motorcycle. Buy the best with a trusted manufacturers name on it. Thieves with an angle grinder will be able to cut through a disc lock, but a better quality one will at least slow them down.
If you park your motorcycle in the street, try and chain it to stout road furniture, a lamppost, or a street sign. If your bike is attached to something, thieves won’t be able to simply lift it into a van. If you can’t secure your bike to a stout object, make it as difficult as possible to wheel away by securing a chain through the rear wheel and swinging arm, as well as using a disc lock. Also make sure you use a motorcycle cover. This may sound simplistic but the police recommend doing so to keep your bike out of sight of thieves.
GPS tracker devices are becoming very popular, with some insurance companies even offering a discount if fitted by a professional. If the worst happens and your bike is stolen, a tracker will give you a much better chance of recovery and may even lead to a criminal being apprehended.
Got something to ask Dave?
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