The NYPD's Community Affairs Bureau provides information to help prevent theft and crime happening to you.
Motorcycles are an attractive item for thieves. National statistics show only 3 in 10 stolen motorcycles will be recovered and returned to their owners. The rest end up on the black market, stripped and/or sold for spare parts.
It takes seconds to hoist a motorcycle into a van and take off. In 2011 New York had 1,460 motorcycle thefts, but if you follow these basic tips you help yourself or a friend avoid becoming a victim of motorcycle theft:
• Lock your ignition and remove the key. National statistics show most bike thefts occur when the ignition is shut off, but not locked.
• Lock the forks or disk brakes with locks that have large, brightly colored tags.
• If traveling with other riders, lock motorcycles together when not in use.
• If riding alone, lock your bike to a secure, stationary object that can't be easily dismantled.
• Add an audible alarm to your motorcycle.
• When traveling and spending the night at a hotel, locate an outdoor security camera and park your bike in the camera's view. If this is not possible, park your bike close to your room.
• Keep an eye on your bike. When parking at a public event, check your motorcycle periodically, especially right after leaving your bike.
• If parking in a garage, block your bike with automobiles, close the garage door and make sure it is locked.
• Don't store your title in your bike's storage compartment, tank bag or saddlebag. The safest place for your title is at home.
• Uniquely mark and then photograph your bike. If thieves take your bike, note its unique markings to law enforcement using the photos you have taken. ·
• Keep your bike registration and insurance identification card on you when you ride.
• If the bike is stolen make it impossible to sell. Mark everything that could be sold as a second hand spare part with a clearly visible identifying mark, both in visible and secret places, preferably with the bikes frame number.
For further safety tips, please visit http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/html/community_affairs/community_affairs.shtml. Or, you can call the Community Affairs Bureau at 646-610-5323.
