Motorcycle thefts have risen 1% in the past calendar year to 8271 in Australia with South East Queensland and Perth the hot spots for theft.
That means riders in those areas are likely to be slugged the highest premiums for their bike insurance.
While thefts only increased 1%, there was a big reduction in the Territories and Tasmania, offset by big rises in Queensland (10.3%), South Australia (6.8%) and Victoria (4.8%).
According to the latest figures for 2016 released by the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council, joy-ride motorcycle theft was up 0.4% while “professional” profit-motivated theft was up 1.3%.
| State or Territory | 2015 | 2016 | % change | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thefts |
% of thefts
|
Thefts |
% of thefts
|
||
| ACT | 117 | 98 | -16.2% | ||
| NSW | 1,437 | 1,430 | -0.5% | ||
| NT | 136 | 126 | -7.4% | ||
| QLD | 1,355 | 1,495 | 10.3% | ||
| SA | 573 | 612 | 6.8% | ||
| TAS | 145 | 105 | -27.6% | ||
| VIC | 2,135 | 2,237 | 4.8% | ||
| WA | 2,299 | 2,168 | -5.7% | ||
| AUS | 8,197 | 100.0 | 8,271 | 100.0 | 0.9% |
Motorcycle thefts have risen steadily over the past six years from 7757 in 2011 to 8271 last year. The biggest volume increase over that time was in Victoria (54.4%).
| State or Territory | 2011 | 2016 | % change | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thefts |
% of thefts
|
Thefts |
% of thefts
|
||
| ACT | 52 | 98 | 88.5% | ||
| NSW | 1,634 | 1,430 | -12.5% | ||
| NT | 173 | 126 | -27.2% | ||
| QLD | 1,468 | 1,495 | 1.8% | ||
| SA | 554 | 612 | 10.5% | ||
| TAS | 107 | 105 | -1.9% | ||
| VIC | 1,449 | 2,237 | 54.4% | ||
| WA | 2,320 | 2,168 | -6.6% | ||
| AUS | 7,757 | 100.0 | 8,271 | 100.0 | 6.6% |
Click here to buy your “warning” keyring.The most stolen bikes are also the most popular bikes in the market – the big four Japanese models.
It seems thieves also target small-capacity bikes and scooters which are light and easier to steal. Dirt bikes also rate highly as stolen bikes are not re-registered and used only on private properties.
| Make | 2011 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Honda | 1,567 | 1,616 |
| Yamaha | 1,490 | 1,513 |
| Kawasaki | 609 | 831 |
| Suzuki | 658 | 720 |
| KTM | 380 | 481 |
| Harley-Davidson | 142 | 230 |
| Hyosung | 95 | 213 |
| Triumph | 82 | 180 |
| Longjia | 178 | 167 |
| Piaggio | 89 | 162 |
| SYM | 138 | 150 |
| Kymco | 110 | 130 |
Riders in South East Queensland and Perth should be taking precautions to secure their bikes as they are in the prime motorcycle theft hot spots.| State or Territory | Local Government Authority | 2011 | 2016 | % change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QLD | Brisbane (City) | 264 | 250 | -5.3% |
| QLD | Gold Coast (City) | 242 | 217 | -10.3% |
| WA | Stirling (City) | 159 | 183 | 15.1% |
| VIC | Melbourne (City) | 77 | 182 | 136.4% |
| QLD | Moreton Bay (Regional Council) | 112 | 144 | 28.6% |
| VIC | Port Phillip (City) | 45 | 132 | 193.3% |
| QLD | Logan (City) | 170 | 127 | -25.3% |
| WA | Rockingham (City) | 130 | 127 | -2.3% |
| WA | Wanneroo (City) | 121 | 123 | 1.7% |
| WA | Broome (Shire) | 83 | 117 | 41.0% |
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR BIKE
- Buy a secure chain so you can chain your bike to an immovable object like a lamp post.
- Use a secure disc lock with a reminder cord attached to your handlebars so you don’t ride off with it still in place.
- Also, use the steering lock if your bike has one.
- Even when parked in a secure location such as your garage or behind a locked gate, consider the extra security of using the steering lock, a disc lock or chain as well.
- Pull out a spark plug or fuse, or have an immobiliser fitted.
- Don’t park your bike in railway or shopping centre carparks as these are notorious for theft.
- Park in a locked carpark. If you have to park in the open, leave it where you can see your bike or in view of a security camera and/or under a light.
- Otherwise, keep your bike out of sight, maybe parking it behind your car. If parking in a garage, block the bike with your car and ensure the garage is locked.
- When riding home, make sure you are not being followed.
- Stay alert for suspicious vans or trucks driving around late at night. These are used to transport stolen motorcycles.
- Put a cover over your bike. It might slow down thieves and prevent theft of accessories. But make sure it isn’t a flashy lone with the brand name of the bike on it. That only entices thieves.
- When riding in a group, park your bikes together.
- Consider marking your bike in a unique way that could aid in recovery and therefore dissuade thieves.
- At hotels or public parking spaces, try to park in view of parking lot security cameras and lights.
- If you park your motorcycle outside your house, consider installing a motion sensor light near the bike.
- Install a motorcycle alarm and/or a hidden kill switch.
- Buy a GPS tracking system that can track and deliver your bike’s speed, location and direction