A boom in motorcycle theft rates has prompted the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council to invite rider groups to partner with them to raise security awareness.
Australian motor vehicle theft rose 7% in the 12 months to September 2019, largely the result of a 12% boom in motorcycle thefts, the highest of all vehicle groups.
Despite accounting for just 5% of registrations, motorcycle thefts now account for one in six stolen vehicles, according to Council figures.
Theft boom
The sobering statistics also show that almost two in three motorcycles are stolen from the home, one in six motorcycle theft victims have previously been a victim of theft and more than half of all stolen bikes are never recovered.
Council Projects and Communications Coordinator Caitlin Hrambanis says there could be several reasons for the explosion on motorcycle theft rates:
- The ease with which they are stolen;
- A high demand for parts; and
- The lack of security measures by riders.
“The NMVTRC is looking to liaise with motoring groups to look to disseminate theft prevention messages,” Caitlin says.
“We are hoping to improve motorcycle security awareness among riders.”
The council wants to partner with interested motorcycle groups to improve the security message to riders.
For more details, please contact Caitlin by clicking here.
Click here for tips on securing your motorcycle or scooter.
Stolen bikes
The most likely targets for thieves are newer models, with almost 30% stolen aged five years or younger.
Motorcycles with an engine capacity of 150cc or less are the top theft targets such as scooters and mini bikes, closely followed by motorcycles with an engine capacity of 251-500cc.
South East Queensland is a hot spot for motorcycle theft with Brisbane, Gold Coast, Moreton Bay and Logan in the top five local authority areas for bike theft.
Motorcycle thefts by council areas
(To the end of September)
|
State/Territory |
Local council |
2018 |
2019 |
% change |
|
QLD |
Brisbane (City) |
371 |
514 |
38.5% |
|
QLD |
Gold Coast (City) |
233 |
288 |
23.6% |
|
VIC |
Melbourne (City) |
237 |
231 |
-2.5% |
|
QLD |
Moreton Bay (Regional Council) |
117 |
175 |
49.6% |
|
QLD |
Logan (City) |
158 |
171 |
8.2% |
|
WA |
Stirling (City)  |
130 |
166 |
27.7% |
|
NSW |
Sydney (City) |
149 |
159 |
6.7% |
|
VIC |
Darebin (City) |
105 |
139 |
32.4% |
|
NSW |
Newcastle (City) |
111 |
137 |
23.4% |
|
WA |
Broome (Shire) |
83 |
136 |
63.9% |