Whether it’s during the day or in the middle of the night, opportunistic thieves will prey on your motorcycle.
It could be as simple as forcing your seat or basket open or you may find the bike has disappeared completely.
The Bermuda Police Service advises motorists to make sure their bikes are secured properly before leaving them unattended.
Last year 654 motorcycles and scooters were reported stolen in Bermuda — an average 54 per month.
Up to 342 (52 per cent) were stolen in the central parishes, 167 (25 per cent) in the west and 144 (22 per cent) in the east. The most popular parish for thefts was Pembroke.
Inspector Phil Lewis of the Road Policing Unit said: “Stolen motorbikes and cycles is a million dollar industry a year.
“And we are finding that people are forgetting to lock their bikes properly. They’re not even applying the handle lock sometimes.”
Inspector Lewis said that even just by using your ignition key to apply the wheel lock, turning the
handlebars to the left or right, this is not enough.
“What we’ve found is that thieves will just snap the handle and the lock. So you really need a chain and padlock,” he said.
“Buy a good, thick chain and padlock, or an extra tough steel cable lock. Wrap it through the wheel spokes and around the forks and frame.That will give you extra security because it then prevents the bike from moving, so people can’t drive it away.”
Inspector Lewis also advises motorists not to leave their bikes unattended in isolated places.
“Don’t park your bike where you know it will be dark and lonely.
“Park it somewhere highly visible. Or just leave the bike at home and take a taxi if you intend to drink.”
However, thieves operate even in busy places such as the carparks on Front Street.
Parking
“Anyone seeing someone in a carpark will think they are just parking their bike, and may not notice them fiddling with it.
“So the irony is that sometimes when you park a bike among lots of others, it’s not the best thing to do. That’s another reason to use an extra lock.”
Inspector Lewis said: “At the end of the day you can’t stop a determined person from stealing your bike, but people can take precautions.
“A motorbike or scooter is not the most secure of vehicles, so it’s easy for someone to break in.
“Bike baskets are easy to break into so don’t leave valuables in them. Anyone with a screwdriver can
just flip up the lock and break it.
“And seats are also easy. If someone wants to steal your helmet they can just prise the seat up with a tool or screwdriver.
“But taking the bike is a whole different matter. You can do something about this by putting a lock on it.”
Last year the most popular models for thieves were the Honda Scoopy, Yamaha 125cc, PGO and Symax.
“Some specific bikes are now being used for certain crimes, and are picked for their power and speed,” said Inspector Lewis.
“We know some have been used for gun violence. They are also targeted for joy riding and stripping for parts.
“Bikes of 150 or 175cc are targeted for their power, but thieves also choose those easy to start.
“The Honda Scoopy is the favourite as its quite fast and powerful.”