Riders have been warned that motorcycles are being targeted in the Brisbane city and Valley area and are reminded to lock and/or alarm their bikes when using designated parking areas.
Police have issued the alarm and reminder after a red 2006 Harley-Davidson FXSTI Softail, registration plate 051JJ, was stolen from the corner of Elizabeth Street and William Street in Brisbane City on May 4 between 7am and 5.30pm. Information about this theft can be reported to City Police Station on 3258 2589.
Commuters can now also receive an email alert about motorcycle thefts in the region. Simply send an email to the City and Valley Crime Prevention Unit email alert system.
According to figures from the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council, South-East Queensland is a hotspot for motorcycle theft.
Brisbane and the Gold Coast last year recorded the highest and second-highest number of bike thefts with Logan City fourth.
The most common brand stolen was Honda, which is understandable as it’s also the most common on the road, while Harley-Davidson leap-frogged from eighth place on the most stolen list to sixth with 213 thefts. That’s a whopping 43% rise; the price of being popular!
2015 top motorcycle theft targets
| Make | 2014 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|
| Honda | 1,578 | 1,638 |
| Yamaha | 1,501 | 1,429 |
| Kawasaki | 693 | 807 |
| Suzuki | 738 | 796 |
| KTM | 468 | 517 |
| Harley-Davidson | 153 | 213 |
| Hyosung | 152 | 169 |
| SYM | 194 | 168 |
| Piaggio | 116 | 160 |
| Triumph | 111 | 144 |
| Longjia | 196 | 140 |
| Kymco | 121 | 112 |
| TGB | 131 | 108 |
| Adly | 147 | 101 |
| Husqvarna | 107 | 100 |
| Vmoto | 133 | 88 |
| Ducati | 69 | 85 |
| Vespa | 80 | 76 |
| Aprilia | 83 | 69 |
| Bolwell | 100 | 59 |
Lock up your Harley!Motorcycle theft summary, 2014 to 2015
| State or Territory | 2014 | 2015 | % change | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thefts |
% of thefts
|
Thefts |
% of thefts
|
||
| ACT | 116 | 116 | 0.0% | ||
| NSW | 1,451 | 1,440 | -0.8% | ||
| NT | 226 | 136 | -39.8% | ||
| QLD | 1,403 | 1,355 | -3.4% | ||
| SA | 484 | 573 | 18.4% | ||
| TAS | 130 | 144 | 10.8% | ||
| VIC | 1,798 | 2,135 | 18.7% | ||
| WA | 2,494 | 2,306 | -7.5% | ||
| AUS | 8,102 | 100.0 | 8,205 | 100.0 | 1.3% |
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, 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.
- 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.
- 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.