Security for your Triumph

You’re out on your bike cruising around the countryside, passing through the city, riding the bike you love. You park it up and walk around for a bit. You spot a small café; you go inside and have a drink. Whilst you sit there drinking you admire your stunning piece of machinery, you can’t help wanting to rush straight back on it and ride on the open roads. You pay, leave and take a last look at the area you’ve stopped in. You turn to face your Triumph and … it’s gone!!

It’s frustrating when something like this happens. You have to go to all the trouble of reporting it to the police, making an insurance claim, arrange other ways of getting around, the list goes on! There are some ways of avoiding this inconvenience and preventing thieves from stealing your bike, even though Triumphs are irresistible.

The risks

Firstly, it depends on what you ride. Between 2001 and 2003 more scooters and mopeds were stolen. Police think this is because these attract a slightly younger age group who are more likely to get involved with crime than professional, experienced thieves who are more likely to steal a motorbike.

When you are looking for a space to park your bike you might often think about the surrounding area; is it busy, surveyed, in a rough estate… these areas can change the risk that your bike is under. According to the British Crime Survey 2000 the majority of vehicle thefts happen on weekends, in the evening or at night. However, the risk of theft from public places is also high. Before parking your Triumph, survey the area; check if there is CCTV, wardens, nearby shops, people around. Although a busy area can mean the risk increases, it also means others are around to witness if any crime takes place. Just remember to check before you park and do a risk assessment of your own!

Practical Security

Evidence suggests 50% of riders do not lock their machines. Police state that basic security can stop most thieves but not rule out the risk completely. Professionals however have different, more complicated methods where they pick up a bike, load it into a van and drive off. This method is fast, quiet and reasonably simple. Research from the MCI suggests that vehicles which are not security marked could be twice as likely to be stolen.

Getting back your bike

Evidence suggests that although 79% of stolen cars are recovered only 40%of motorbikes are. 60% of stolen bikes are then broken down in to pieces and sold as parts. If you are lucky enough to get your bike back (in one piece) then it is quite unlikely that it will be usable or in good condition, as when stealing it the thieves often damage parts, remove wheels or tamper with wiring. 

Decrease the risk of your bike being stolen:

- Lock your bike to an object which cannot be moved.
- Make sure the parking area is secure.
- Park your bike in a well lit area.
- Try and park in a place where CCTV is operating.
- Consider fitting an alarm on your machine.
- Lock your bike at all times.