Long dark nights of winter offer bike thieves the perfect cover to steal to order
Devitt Insurance Services is urging bikers to think now about protecting their vehicle from opportunistic crooks. Devitt warns that the grey days and long dark nights of winter offer bike thieves the perfect cover to steal to order, but basic commonsense security measures can help significantly reduce the risk of theft.
“It’s a fact that more motorcycles and scooters are stolen than cars, but less of them are ever recovered, making it essential that owners take all the steps they can to protect their bike,” explains William Hughes, Managing Director of Devitt Insurance. “What’s more, many motorcycles are now being stolen from locked garages, using the owner’s keys, demonstrating that organised criminals are prepared to take some pretty drastic steps to get their hands on vehicles and registration documents. However, a few simple precautions can deter thieves enough to reduce the risk of your pride and joy being taken.”
The key to good motorcycle security is to use a combination of measures, advises Devitt. Security devices are rarely effective on their own and the more you use, the longer it takes for criminals to break through, ultimately deterring them. Marking, electronic and mechanical devices are together a winning combination, but even just using different types of locks, such as padlocks, disk locks and D-locks can flummox villains.
Remember that bikes are usually taken by professionals who break them down for spares, so marking parts of the bike will make it harder for thieves to sell and increase the chance of recovery. Avoid buying used spare parts as many originate from stolen bikes; less demand, fewer stolen bikes.
When purchasing security devices, motorcycle owners should look for the Thatcham or Sold Secure marks of quality. A combination of alarm and immobiliser will deter thieves. Make sure the garage has a good lock as standard door locks are often of little deterrence. Keep keys in a safe place, out of view from open doorways and letterboxes.
William Hughes concludes, “A good security system will pay for itself in the long term. Whilst fixing chains and alarms may seem like a lot of bother, it will be worth it. Don’t let a hectic lifestyle compromise your security measures; opt for a self-arming alarm or immobiliser if necessary. It is not only essential that bikers use all the security measures they have at home but out and about as well. It only takes a thief a few seconds to make off with your bike, but with a few careful steps owners can stop criminals in their tracks. Not only will it reduce the risk of a stolen bike and the expense of replacing it, but it could protect your No Claim Bonus and reduce your insurance premiums.”
Devitt’s Top Winter Security Tips:
• Don’t just buy a security device, use it!
• Keep your keys with you or keep them well hidden at home.
• If you have a garage, fit strong locks and invest in a ground anchor.
• If you don’t have a garage, make sure you bike is covered outside your home.
• Always put the steering lock on.
• Consider using some form of ‘marking’ (like Datatag or SmartWater) to make your bike less attractive to be broken down into spares.
• Purchase a good immobiliser, preferably one that is approved by your insurance company and is either Thatcham or Sold Secure approved.
• When out and about, use a designated motorcycle parking place with a stand and security loop.
• Never leave items such as helmets or other possessions with your bike.
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