Keep your motorbike safe
Tips to prevent motorbike theft and keep your vehicle safe and secure.
If you own a motorbike, consider the following advice to help prevent the theft of your vehicle.
Tips to prevent motorbike theft
Always take your keys
Thieves can be opportunists and they look first for bikes that are quick and easy to steal.
Always use the steering lock and remove the ignition keys, even if you are just popping into a shop.
Install alarm and tracker systems
New motorbikes, under the MCIA Secured scheme, may have an alarm system installed.
But if yours does not have one, consider fitting a Thatcham alarm system. These can come with tracking, immobilisation, anti-grab and movement sensors.
If your moped, scooter or motorbike has a tracker and is stolen, the tracker may help us trace your vehicle.
Cover your motorbike
Covering your motorbike will hide what type of model it is and make it less appealing to opportunistic thieves.
Mark your motorbike
You can mark your motorbike with invisible ink.
This can deter thieves by making your bike harder to sell, and may help us recover it if stolen by using the unique, invisible marks to trace ownership.
These systems use microdots or UV-visible DNA marking to provide a covert layer of protection that does not deface your motorbike’s appearance.
A warning sticker may also alert criminals to the presence of the marking.
Visit Secured by Design for a list of approved asset marking suppliers.
Use strong locks
Disc-brake locks or lock-chain combinations can help to secure your motorcycle and make it hard for thieves.
Alternatively, consider an anchoring solution that provides a very strong fixing on the floor or wall of your property to provide even better protection against theft.
Common types of strong lock
- D locks – are secured to the front wheel to stop it being wheeled away.
- Disc Locks – use a disc lock to help secure the front disc brake.
- Floor or wall anchors – provide a permanent fixing point either at home in a garage or on a driveway.
Visit Secured by Design for a list of approved lock suppliers.
Secure your motorbike at home
If you park your motorbike in a garage, consider:
- fitting a garage door defender
- upgrading your garage locks
- installing CCTV
If you do not have a garage, you could consider:
- keeping your motorbike in a shed
- storing it in a motorbike locker
- installing CCTV
For more information on shed and garage security, visit our securing your garden and outbuildings page.
Secure your motorbike on the streets
If you do not have a garage or shed, consider parking in a well-lit area close to home (use a steering lock and take your ignition keys).
Alternatively, you can search for a Park Mark-approved car park which has more security than other car parks.