Riders are being asked to complete a quick online survey about motorcycle theft and security devices as part of a campaign to raise awareness.
Queensland Police and the RACQ launched their “Stop Stolen Motorcycles” awareness campaign last year and have now included this quick online Motorbike Theft Survey.
RACQ tech and safety guru Steve Spalding says it is good to see police following up on the launch to “measure any changes (hopefully improvements) of awareness of using anti-theft devices”.
“RACQ is very supportive of the work QPS is doing to raise awareness of motorcycle theft and promote the use of simple low-cost devices to help secure a bike,” says Steve who rides a Triumph Bonneville SE.
Senior Constable Tony Tatkovich and Steve Spalding RACQ wth a motorcycle disc lock“We think the survey is a great opportunity to assist the police in better understanding the level of awareness riders have about security and using anti-theft devices.
“Having a bike stolen is not just costly for the owner but disruptive and inconvenient to sort out a replacement, and to many riders a bike is more than just functional transport.
“A rider can reduce the risk of theft by better securing it and a simple device, such as a disc lock, can mean an opportunistic thief will move on to another bike that’s easier for them to take.
“A standard steering lock is only providing a basic level of protection.”
Theft rise
In Queensland, the motorcycle theft hotspot is Brisbane where 232 bikes were stolen from 2012 to 2017.
Half were stolen from parking bays, 108 (47%) were taken from a residence and eight (3%) from businesses.
Only 48% of stolen motorcycles are partially recovered. Most are disassembled and sold for parts.
Stop Stolen Motorcycles campaign leader Senior Constable Tony Tatkovich says 96% of stolen bikes were not fitted with a security device.
Senior Constable Tony Tatkovich launches awareness campaignSurvey
The short survey asks questions about riders’ use of motorbikes, awareness of anti-theft devices, and ownership of anti-theft devices.
Respondents are not required to identify themselves except to supply a postcode.
Police say the information is anonymous in accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2009.
It will only be used to inform others of the effectiveness of anti-theft devices.
Should you require any additional information before participating in this survey, or at any other stage, please contact Marcus TESTON, Research & Evaluation Unit, OCC via email at QPS.Research@police.qld.gov.au or phone on 07 3015 2532.
We will publish results of the review when they are available.