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SECURITY The Facts About Theft The Home Office Findings report The Extent of Motorcycle Theft 2005 states that an annual average of 49,500 machines were reported stolen between 2001 and 2003. 
Type & Age
Mopeds and scooters were shown to be most at risk. 101-125cc machines being the most stolen group of motorcycles, the majority of which are likely to be trail and off road bikes. Machines of 1 to 3 years old are most commonly taken. Security Annecdotal evidence suggests that as many as 50% of riders do not lock their machines. Similarly the Metropolitan Police suggest that relatively simple security will defeat most thieves, but a professional could steal your machine in as little as 15 seconds. The practice of picking a machine up and removing it in a van is a popular method of theft because it is quick and quiet. The Police also, suggest that as high as 60% of machines stolen, are subsequently broken to sell for parts, as this is far more lucrative. Prevention Secure Your Motor from the Home Office also has good advice and links, and is available now. Security marking acts as a significant deterrent. Research by the MCI suggests that machines that are not security marked, (ie fitted with transponders, etched, coded and registered), are about twice as likely to be stolen. Recovery The Home Office report finds that 79% of cars are recovered, compared to 40% of powered two wheelers. Of those stolen, mopeds and scooters have a better recovery rate of 46% compared to 35% of motorbikes. All of which is an improvement on 2000 figures. The report suggests that larger motorcycles have the highest value and are therefore more prone to professional theft for parts, export or ringing as opposed to opportunist or local nuisance theft. Guidelines for Motorcycling
The Home Office Vehicle Crime Reduction Action Team (VCRAT) The group was established in 2001 and chaired by the MCI Chief Executive, Geoff Sherley. It was set up to bring Government and industry together to work towards reducing motorcycle and scooter theft. The Home Office report An Analysis of the Extent of Motorcycle Theft in 2000 and the associated Bike Theft Index are examples of work by VCRAT. The report is the only official national report on motorcycle theft and the index shows a machines risk of theft, by manufacturer and capacity. Both will be produced or updated on an annual basis. Motorcycle Crime Reduction Group (MCRG) 
As mentioned in the Prevention section above, the MCI is a member of the MCRG which is developing a website to provide advice to riders on products types, where to park safely, the nature of theft, links to other sites etc.
‘Take This Advice…’ Leaflet The MCI Theft Awareness Leaflet was produced to encourage riders primarily to lock their machines to immovable objects. The leaflet was initially distributed by participating insurers with insurance renewals and dealerships mainly in the London area and also with the MCI DVD ‘A Street, A Track, An Open Road’ with new machine sales. Point of Sale Message The handover of a new machine by the dealer is the prime opportunity to update riders knowledge of security. As part of the DVD handover process MCI members are implementing a Customer Handover Form that facilitates discussion on safety and security. Even the lowest level of information given, ‘always lock the machine to something immovable’, will make a difference and the opportunity can also be taken to sell a security product if necessary as well. Secure Parking Factsheet 
The MCI is to reissue an updated version of the above to highlight to London Boroughs the need to increase provision of secure parking, especially in light of the introduction of congestion charging and the increase in use of powered two wheelers in the zone and also to promote the secure parking element of the IHIE guidelines.
The pressure on motorcycle parking provision is particularly visible in Central London where, since the introduction of congestion charging, the use of powered two wheelers has increased by 20%. According to a recent report by the Transport Research Laboratory, 25% more parking spaces are required in the Central London area alone. |
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The Motor Cycle Industry Association Limited
1 Rye Hill Office Park, Birmingham Road, Allesley, Coventry, CV5 9AB Registered in England No. 1113282. |
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Tel: (024) 76 408 000 Fax: (024) 76 408 001 |
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