Motorcycle Theft
Discussion
I've raised the issue of motorcycle theft before, but like the safety gear debate, it seems to fall on deaf ears 
So here's some data:
https://theft.litelok.com/
https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/news-and-vie...
So here's some data:
https://theft.litelok.com/
https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/news-and-vie...
Edited by Tonberry on Saturday 16th May 07:17
Tonberry said:
I've raised the issue of motorcycle theft before, but like the safety gear debate, it seems to fall on deaf ears
So here's some data:
https://theft.litelok.com/
https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/news-and-vie...
Stuff gets stolen, it's hardly news.. Make your bike, car, house, [insert item] less of a target than those close by. The best you can do is deflect it make someone else the target. So here's some data:
https://theft.litelok.com/
https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/news-and-vie...
Edited by Tonberry on Saturday 16th May 07:17
I was in Rio working a few years ago and I asked a local if it was safe to walk down to the shopping mall in the evening and he replied "yes.. don't wear a watch". And I've had someone attempt to snatch my phone in London, they were unsuccessful but sadly i couldnt grab hold of them as they were on the back of an ebike and made a quick escape. tbh I was annoyed at myself as I should have been more aware of what was around me (following directions from a pub to the station on said phone). Despite being a bit of a unit and not very pretty I'd made myself a target.
Like the safety gear debate you should understand the risks and then you make you're own judgement about what is acceptable for you. London bike theft stats are high but city of london zero: disc lock only for the last 4 years , parked around lots of scooters that are probably a more likely target, and no issues so far.. I've been watching people racing round on sports bikes with no helmet in florida this week, their choice but it wouldn't be mine.
The post is about raising awareness because many are unaware of the problem. 1400 bikes stolen in the UK in April alone.
People report them stolen on various Facebook groups and the common factor is no security besides the steering lock or a £50 lock that is cut through in seconds.
The most common theft method is a push away. Break the steering lock or other security device and have another motorcycle push it somewhere for recovery later. Van theft happens but is far less common.
So even if garaged, a proper lock should be used, ideally with a ground anchor. A proper lock is one that can't be bolt cropped, and takes 10 minutes to cut through in a controlled environment using multiple grinder discs and batteries. In a theft scenario, thieves give up. A D lock made by Litelok, Hiplok or similar, plenty of tests out there.
When out and about they should still be used. Loads of bikes stolen when parked at service stations and supermarkets for 5 minutes. A cheap disc lock doesn't cut it and is literally smashed off with a hammer.
Several underwriters have left the market over the past few years, reducing competition and increasing prices for all of us. The cost and inconvenience of a claim are considerable so if this post makes someone think a but more on how they secure the bike when at home or out and about, that's a win.
I've got a photo of one of my bike locks after an attempted theft with a hydraulic cutter. Barely damaged the outer coating.
People report them stolen on various Facebook groups and the common factor is no security besides the steering lock or a £50 lock that is cut through in seconds.
The most common theft method is a push away. Break the steering lock or other security device and have another motorcycle push it somewhere for recovery later. Van theft happens but is far less common.
So even if garaged, a proper lock should be used, ideally with a ground anchor. A proper lock is one that can't be bolt cropped, and takes 10 minutes to cut through in a controlled environment using multiple grinder discs and batteries. In a theft scenario, thieves give up. A D lock made by Litelok, Hiplok or similar, plenty of tests out there.
When out and about they should still be used. Loads of bikes stolen when parked at service stations and supermarkets for 5 minutes. A cheap disc lock doesn't cut it and is literally smashed off with a hammer.
Several underwriters have left the market over the past few years, reducing competition and increasing prices for all of us. The cost and inconvenience of a claim are considerable so if this post makes someone think a but more on how they secure the bike when at home or out and about, that's a win.
I've got a photo of one of my bike locks after an attempted theft with a hydraulic cutter. Barely damaged the outer coating.
Tonberry said:
The post is about raising awareness because many are unaware of the problem. 1400 bikes stolen in the UK in April alone.
People report them stolen on various Facebook groups and the common factor is no security besides the steering lock or a £50 lock that is cut through in seconds.
The most common theft method is a push away. Break the steering lock or other security device and have another motorcycle push it somewhere for recovery later. Van theft happens but is far less common.
So even if garaged, a proper lock should be used, ideally with a ground anchor. A proper lock is one that can't be bolt cropped, and takes 10 minutes to cut through in a controlled environment using multiple grinder discs and batteries. In a theft scenario, thieves give up. A D lock made by Litelok, Hiplok or similar, plenty of tests out there.
When out and about they should still be used. Loads of bikes stolen when parked at service stations and supermarkets for 5 minutes. A cheap disc lock doesn't cut it and is literally smashed off with a hammer.
Several underwriters have left the market over the past few years, reducing competition and increasing prices for all of us. The cost and inconvenience of a claim are considerable so if this post makes someone think a but more on how they secure the bike when at home or out and about, that's a win.
I've got a photo of one of my bike locks after an attempted theft with a hydraulic cutter. Barely damaged the outer coating.
I’ve had bikes for nearly 50 yrs , they’ve been left in city centres , football grounds , supermarket car parks , works car park etc etc , none have had any extra security & none as far as I’m aware have been touched , they definitely haven’t been stolen People report them stolen on various Facebook groups and the common factor is no security besides the steering lock or a £50 lock that is cut through in seconds.
The most common theft method is a push away. Break the steering lock or other security device and have another motorcycle push it somewhere for recovery later. Van theft happens but is far less common.
So even if garaged, a proper lock should be used, ideally with a ground anchor. A proper lock is one that can't be bolt cropped, and takes 10 minutes to cut through in a controlled environment using multiple grinder discs and batteries. In a theft scenario, thieves give up. A D lock made by Litelok, Hiplok or similar, plenty of tests out there.
When out and about they should still be used. Loads of bikes stolen when parked at service stations and supermarkets for 5 minutes. A cheap disc lock doesn't cut it and is literally smashed off with a hammer.
Several underwriters have left the market over the past few years, reducing competition and increasing prices for all of us. The cost and inconvenience of a claim are considerable so if this post makes someone think a but more on how they secure the bike when at home or out and about, that's a win.
I've got a photo of one of my bike locks after an attempted theft with a hydraulic cutter. Barely damaged the outer coating.
Mate had his chained to post r1 stolen .
Cars , I’ve had a Astra gte 16v stolen twice within a week ( extra security was a lock from handbrake to gear lever that was still attached to the gear lever when the car was recovered ) , I just changed it for a basic fiesta diesel .
The day one of my bikes gets stolen I’ll worry about it , though it’s insured so I’m not really bothered , I went though all the what do we do with the gte , spoilt my enjoyment of the car , don’t want to spoil my enjoyment of worrying about it being stolen every time I go out on it park it , so will just continue as I have been .
Hugo Stiglitz said:
Tonberry which lock was it?
Litelok X1https://www.litelok.com/blogs/success-stories/tagg...
Tonberry said:
The post is about raising awareness because many are unaware of the problem. 1400 bikes stolen in the UK in April alone.
People report them stolen on various Facebook groups and the common factor is no security besides the steering lock or a £50 lock that is cut through in seconds.
The most common theft method is a push away. Break the steering lock or other security device and have another motorcycle push it somewhere for recovery later. Van theft happens but is far less common.
So even if garaged, a proper lock should be used, ideally with a ground anchor. A proper lock is one that can't be bolt cropped, and takes 10 minutes to cut through in a controlled environment using multiple grinder discs and batteries. In a theft scenario, thieves give up. A D lock made by Litelok, Hiplok or similar, plenty of tests out there.
When out and about they should still be used. Loads of bikes stolen when parked at service stations and supermarkets for 5 minutes. A cheap disc lock doesn't cut it and is literally smashed off with a hammer.
Several underwriters have left the market over the past few years, reducing competition and increasing prices for all of us. The cost and inconvenience of a claim are considerable so if this post makes someone think a but more on how they secure the bike when at home or out and about, that's a win.
I've got a photo of one of my bike locks after an attempted theft with a hydraulic cutter. Barely damaged the outer coating.
Do you have any financial relationship with the lock industry?People report them stolen on various Facebook groups and the common factor is no security besides the steering lock or a £50 lock that is cut through in seconds.
The most common theft method is a push away. Break the steering lock or other security device and have another motorcycle push it somewhere for recovery later. Van theft happens but is far less common.
So even if garaged, a proper lock should be used, ideally with a ground anchor. A proper lock is one that can't be bolt cropped, and takes 10 minutes to cut through in a controlled environment using multiple grinder discs and batteries. In a theft scenario, thieves give up. A D lock made by Litelok, Hiplok or similar, plenty of tests out there.
When out and about they should still be used. Loads of bikes stolen when parked at service stations and supermarkets for 5 minutes. A cheap disc lock doesn't cut it and is literally smashed off with a hammer.
Several underwriters have left the market over the past few years, reducing competition and increasing prices for all of us. The cost and inconvenience of a claim are considerable so if this post makes someone think a but more on how they secure the bike when at home or out and about, that's a win.
I've got a photo of one of my bike locks after an attempted theft with a hydraulic cutter. Barely damaged the outer coating.
OutInTheShed said:
Tonberry said:
The post is about raising awareness because many are unaware of the problem. 1400 bikes stolen in the UK in April alone.
People report them stolen on various Facebook groups and the common factor is no security besides the steering lock or a £50 lock that is cut through in seconds.
The most common theft method is a push away. Break the steering lock or other security device and have another motorcycle push it somewhere for recovery later. Van theft happens but is far less common.
So even if garaged, a proper lock should be used, ideally with a ground anchor. A proper lock is one that can't be bolt cropped, and takes 10 minutes to cut through in a controlled environment using multiple grinder discs and batteries. In a theft scenario, thieves give up. A D lock made by Litelok, Hiplok or similar, plenty of tests out there.
When out and about they should still be used. Loads of bikes stolen when parked at service stations and supermarkets for 5 minutes. A cheap disc lock doesn't cut it and is literally smashed off with a hammer.
Several underwriters have left the market over the past few years, reducing competition and increasing prices for all of us. The cost and inconvenience of a claim are considerable so if this post makes someone think a but more on how they secure the bike when at home or out and about, that's a win.
I've got a photo of one of my bike locks after an attempted theft with a hydraulic cutter. Barely damaged the outer coating.
Do you have any financial relationship with the lock industry?People report them stolen on various Facebook groups and the common factor is no security besides the steering lock or a £50 lock that is cut through in seconds.
The most common theft method is a push away. Break the steering lock or other security device and have another motorcycle push it somewhere for recovery later. Van theft happens but is far less common.
So even if garaged, a proper lock should be used, ideally with a ground anchor. A proper lock is one that can't be bolt cropped, and takes 10 minutes to cut through in a controlled environment using multiple grinder discs and batteries. In a theft scenario, thieves give up. A D lock made by Litelok, Hiplok or similar, plenty of tests out there.
When out and about they should still be used. Loads of bikes stolen when parked at service stations and supermarkets for 5 minutes. A cheap disc lock doesn't cut it and is literally smashed off with a hammer.
Several underwriters have left the market over the past few years, reducing competition and increasing prices for all of us. The cost and inconvenience of a claim are considerable so if this post makes someone think a but more on how they secure the bike when at home or out and about, that's a win.
I've got a photo of one of my bike locks after an attempted theft with a hydraulic cutter. Barely damaged the outer coating.
His points are very well made.
The thing that's really needed is some sort of built in electronic transmission lock that engages when you turn the motor off. . As above most thefts are wheel-aways. There are also plenty of cars with electronic parking brakes, Something like that could be adapted for bikes.
Wombat3 said:
OutInTheShed said:
Tonberry said:
The post is about raising awareness because many are unaware of the problem. 1400 bikes stolen in the UK in April alone.
People report them stolen on various Facebook groups and the common factor is no security besides the steering lock or a £50 lock that is cut through in seconds.
The most common theft method is a push away. Break the steering lock or other security device and have another motorcycle push it somewhere for recovery later. Van theft happens but is far less common.
So even if garaged, a proper lock should be used, ideally with a ground anchor. A proper lock is one that can't be bolt cropped, and takes 10 minutes to cut through in a controlled environment using multiple grinder discs and batteries. In a theft scenario, thieves give up. A D lock made by Litelok, Hiplok or similar, plenty of tests out there.
When out and about they should still be used. Loads of bikes stolen when parked at service stations and supermarkets for 5 minutes. A cheap disc lock doesn't cut it and is literally smashed off with a hammer.
Several underwriters have left the market over the past few years, reducing competition and increasing prices for all of us. The cost and inconvenience of a claim are considerable so if this post makes someone think a but more on how they secure the bike when at home or out and about, that's a win.
I've got a photo of one of my bike locks after an attempted theft with a hydraulic cutter. Barely damaged the outer coating.
Do you have any financial relationship with the lock industry?People report them stolen on various Facebook groups and the common factor is no security besides the steering lock or a £50 lock that is cut through in seconds.
The most common theft method is a push away. Break the steering lock or other security device and have another motorcycle push it somewhere for recovery later. Van theft happens but is far less common.
So even if garaged, a proper lock should be used, ideally with a ground anchor. A proper lock is one that can't be bolt cropped, and takes 10 minutes to cut through in a controlled environment using multiple grinder discs and batteries. In a theft scenario, thieves give up. A D lock made by Litelok, Hiplok or similar, plenty of tests out there.
When out and about they should still be used. Loads of bikes stolen when parked at service stations and supermarkets for 5 minutes. A cheap disc lock doesn't cut it and is literally smashed off with a hammer.
Several underwriters have left the market over the past few years, reducing competition and increasing prices for all of us. The cost and inconvenience of a claim are considerable so if this post makes someone think a but more on how they secure the bike when at home or out and about, that's a win.
I've got a photo of one of my bike locks after an attempted theft with a hydraulic cutter. Barely damaged the outer coating.
His points are very well made.
The thing that's really needed is some sort of built in electronic transmission lock that engages when you turn the motor off. . As above most thefts are wheel-aways. There are also plenty of cars with electronic parking brakes, Something like that could be adapted for bikes.
MDUBZ said:
It's not a strange question at all, his post reads like an advert. You would have needed to be living in a hole for the last 10 years to not not be aware.
I agree. Look at PH articles that are basically adverts for the classifieds listings. I'll cite it again, I've done 12,000 miles since returning to motorcycles partially due to the winter 2017 Africa Twin PCP deal feeding frenzy here in Biker Banter. That thread 'influenced' me.
I signed up to the Litelok website as part of entering a lottery for the chance to win a Litelok. I've a webmail address for such competitions and lotteries so as to keep the Emails out of my main Email account. This weekend I've received an Email from Litelok entitled 'Live: UK bike theft, mapped in real time'. I guess such data may be useful if riders are planning to attend events in a certain area or want to check the likelihood of getting from home to a ferry port as part of their tour. Someone at work said someone they know had their KTM 1290 Super Adventure stolen from outside a hotel in the Thames Valley where they stopped overnight while attending some event in London.
MDUBZ said:
Wombat3 said:
OutInTheShed said:
Tonberry said:
The post is about raising awareness because many are unaware of the problem. 1400 bikes stolen in the UK in April alone.
People report them stolen on various Facebook groups and the common factor is no security besides the steering lock or a £50 lock that is cut through in seconds.
The most common theft method is a push away. Break the steering lock or other security device and have another motorcycle push it somewhere for recovery later. Van theft happens but is far less common.
So even if garaged, a proper lock should be used, ideally with a ground anchor. A proper lock is one that can't be bolt cropped, and takes 10 minutes to cut through in a controlled environment using multiple grinder discs and batteries. In a theft scenario, thieves give up. A D lock made by Litelok, Hiplok or similar, plenty of tests out there.
When out and about they should still be used. Loads of bikes stolen when parked at service stations and supermarkets for 5 minutes. A cheap disc lock doesn't cut it and is literally smashed off with a hammer.
Several underwriters have left the market over the past few years, reducing competition and increasing prices for all of us. The cost and inconvenience of a claim are considerable so if this post makes someone think a but more on how they secure the bike when at home or out and about, that's a win.
I've got a photo of one of my bike locks after an attempted theft with a hydraulic cutter. Barely damaged the outer coating.
Do you have any financial relationship with the lock industry?People report them stolen on various Facebook groups and the common factor is no security besides the steering lock or a £50 lock that is cut through in seconds.
The most common theft method is a push away. Break the steering lock or other security device and have another motorcycle push it somewhere for recovery later. Van theft happens but is far less common.
So even if garaged, a proper lock should be used, ideally with a ground anchor. A proper lock is one that can't be bolt cropped, and takes 10 minutes to cut through in a controlled environment using multiple grinder discs and batteries. In a theft scenario, thieves give up. A D lock made by Litelok, Hiplok or similar, plenty of tests out there.
When out and about they should still be used. Loads of bikes stolen when parked at service stations and supermarkets for 5 minutes. A cheap disc lock doesn't cut it and is literally smashed off with a hammer.
Several underwriters have left the market over the past few years, reducing competition and increasing prices for all of us. The cost and inconvenience of a claim are considerable so if this post makes someone think a but more on how they secure the bike when at home or out and about, that's a win.
I've got a photo of one of my bike locks after an attempted theft with a hydraulic cutter. Barely damaged the outer coating.
His points are very well made.
The thing that's really needed is some sort of built in electronic transmission lock that engages when you turn the motor off. . As above most thefts are wheel-aways. There are also plenty of cars with electronic parking brakes, Something like that could be adapted for bikes.
We're a funny species, humans. Doubtful when we ought to trust, and gullible when we should be questioning.
I attended a BikeSafe course a week ago located at Staffordshire Police HQ. The arrival instructions stated to park in the visitor bays by the entrance barrier but I made a point of asking whether we'd be allowed inside their secure compound.
As the other attendees arrived, several mentioned they had thought about bringing a lock to secure their bike during classroom time. I was simultaneously surprised and pleased that there was an awareness of the problem. The police officers present didn't bat an eyelid.
Interestingly during the course material, one of the officers mentioned they are seeing a significant difference in collision outcomes with motorcyclists who wear an airbag and those who don't. One of the other officers was also wearing an airbag vest.
Two subjects I bang on about despite the usual skepticism.
I attended a BikeSafe course a week ago located at Staffordshire Police HQ. The arrival instructions stated to park in the visitor bays by the entrance barrier but I made a point of asking whether we'd be allowed inside their secure compound.
As the other attendees arrived, several mentioned they had thought about bringing a lock to secure their bike during classroom time. I was simultaneously surprised and pleased that there was an awareness of the problem. The police officers present didn't bat an eyelid.
Interestingly during the course material, one of the officers mentioned they are seeing a significant difference in collision outcomes with motorcyclists who wear an airbag and those who don't. One of the other officers was also wearing an airbag vest.
Two subjects I bang on about despite the usual skepticism.
gareth h said:
We were staying in Menton (10 minutes from Monaco) a few weeks ago, lovely weather and lots of bikes / scooters parked on the street, didn t see one chained, are French tea leaves more discerning?
Me and the wife were in Nice last week and popped to Monaco for the day. As you say, there were all types of bikes everywhere, not only did they not have any extra security, some of them didn't even have the steering lock engaged. I wish we could be like that here!Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff