It’s the pinnacle of the motorcycling season with hordes of machines on the road and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota at full throttle.
Still, more than 4,000 motorcyclists will return to their parked motorcycles this month and find them stolen. Motorcycle thefts increased 7% between 2021 and 2022, marking a year of rising thefts, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) 2022 Vehicle Type Theft Report.
On average, 4,561 motorcycles were reported stolen each month in 2022. Flights have increased from a low of 2,879 in February, peaking in July at 6,394. Motorcycle thefts exceeded the monthly average during the hottest season, May through October.
Once again, Californians led the pack by reporting the highest number of motorcycle thefts with 9,838 motorcycles stolen in 2022, accounting for 30% of all motorcycle thefts in the United States. Reporting less than a portion of all thefts in California, motorcyclists in Florida and Texas recorded the second- and third-highest number of motorcycle thefts in the same period, with 4,563 and 4,145 reports, respectively.
In case you’re wondering, the Honda motorcycle “most likely to be stolen. “
Motorcycles with the highest risk of theft
The 10 states most affected by motorcycle thefts accounted for 60% of the 54,736 motorcycle theft reports in the U. S. As reports of stolen motorcycles increase, more than 40% are recovered thanks to the efforts of law enforcement authorities. The National Insurance Crime Bureau works with state and federal law enforcement agencies to target criminal organizations involved in insurance fraud.
If someone really needs their motorcycle, they’ll get it. But motorcyclists also want to do their part. Here are some undeniable tips that each and every motorcyclist deserves to follow to decrease the chances of having their motorcycle stolen and experiencing the anger, annoyance, monetary loss, and loss of acceptance in humanity that result.
*Always lock the bike, even if it is in a closed garage, which will also have to be locked.
You’ve probably heard of “gasket housings,” haven’t you?Professional thieves do the same thing, following motorcyclists to their home and observing how the owner does or does not insure their vehicle. Many of them return at night or when the homeowner is at work, lift the garage door, grab the motorcycle, and get out of the vehicle. Prevent thieves from doing their job by locking the garage door and motorcycle. Also consider installing an alarm and camera.
* Lock and collect keys even when you enter a store for just a few minutes.
You’d be surprised how many cars (and motorcycles) are stolen simply because they left the keys in the ignition. If the keys are in the ignition, it takes less than 10 seconds for the thief to get into them, start and go.
*Keep the name at home, in the garage compartment of the motorcycle.
Your name is proof that you own the motorcycle, so keep it careful. If you are pulled over, you will only want to show your driver’s license, registration and evidence of insurance, the deed to name.
*Customize your motorcycle to make it identifiable.
Fine scratches, traditional components, or other unique identifiers make it easier for your motorcycle instead of telling the government “That was a black Road King. “
*Report theft if stolen.
If your vehicle is stolen, call the police and your insurer and report it immediately. NICB’s knowledge shows that reporting a vehicle as soon as possible after it has been stolen increases the chances of recovery.
Don’t assume you’re alone because you’re at a rally.
It’s not that common, but some professional thieves attend meetings with the sole purpose of waiting to take care of the safety of their motorcycle and take advantage of the trust that motorcyclists can feel in the presence of their siblings.
Drive safely. J. M.