Motorcycle theft in Australia dropped almost 3% in the past financial year, according to the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council.
Thefts were down by 242 to 8078 which was the lowest for the past four financial years with the biggest drops being in Western Australia (-10.6% to 2396) and Queensland (-10.4% to 1333)
There was a 6.4% increase in Victoria, up 113 to 1872.
Insurance premiums are based on your location, so you should ask your insurer to ensure any change in theft statistics is mirrored in your payments.
| State or Territory | 2013/14 | 2014/15 | % change | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thefts |
% of thefts
|
Thefts |
% of thefts
|
||
| ACT | 105 | 124 | 18.1% | ||
| NSW | 1,481 | 1,496 | 1.0% | ||
| NT | 205 | 170 | -17.1% | ||
| QLD | 1,487 | 1,333 | -10.4% | ||
| SA | 492 | 538 | 9.3% | ||
| TAS | 110 | 149 | 35.5% | ||
| VIC | 1,759 | 1,872 | 6.4% | ||
| WA | 2,681 | 2,396 | -10.6% | ||
| AUS | 8,320 | 100.0 | 8,078 | 100.0 | -2.9% |
Most stolen motorcycles were low-capacity Japanese models which also dominate ownership and sales, followed by KTM, Harley-Davidson and then a range of scooters.
| Make | 2013/14 | 2014/15 |
|---|---|---|
| Honda | 1,655 | 1,580 |
| Yamaha | 1,509 | 1,477 |
| Kawasaki | 661 | 795 |
| Suzuki | 707 | 777 |
| KTM | 484 | 490 |
| Harley Davidson | 169 | 181 |
| SYM | 177 | 177 |
| Longjia | 218 | 160 |
| Hyosung | 153 | 159 |
| Piaggio | 118 | 154 |
| Triumph | 94 | 125 |
| Husqvarna | 95 | 116 |
| TGB | 144 | 112 |
| Kymco | 131 | 102 |
| Adly | 180 | 101 |
| Vmoto | 157 | 101 |
| Aprilia | 71 | 75 |
| Ducati | 63 | 71 |
| Bolwell | 143 | 70 |
| Vespa | 92 | 61 |
Hot spot for motorcycle thieves was South East Queensland with Brisbane topping the list at 291 (-3.3%) ahead of the Gold Coast (162 -13.4%) and Moreton Bay and Logan City also in the top 10 theft locations. The other hot spot was the Perth region with three locations in the top 10.
| State or Territory | LGA | 2013/14 | 2014/15 | % change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QLD | Brisbane (City) | 301 | 291 | -3.3% |
| QLD | Gold Coast (City) | 187 | 162 | -13.4% |
| WA | Stirling (City) | 193 | 151 | -21.8% |
| WA | Cockburn (City) | 173 | 149 | -13.9% |
| QLD | Moreton Bay (Regional Council) | 156 | 130 | -16.7% |
| QLD | Logan (City) | 134 | 125 | -6.7% |
| VIC | Melbourne (City) | 122 | 125 | 2.5% |
| ACT | Greater ACT | 105 | 124 | 18.1% |
| WA | Gosnells (City) | 137 | 120 | -12.4% |
| NSW | Sydney (City) | 105 | 115 | 9.5% |
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.