KEEP YOUR MOPED/CYCLES FROM BEING STOLEN

March 26th, 2008 by Cpl Edward Koczan

Help Stop Motorcycle Thefts

With Spring and warm weather finally here, many motorcyclits and moped riders alike are taking to the streets. With this increase in warm weather, during the last few weeks, the South Bend Police Department detectives have seen an increase in motorcycle and moped thefts. And with warmer weather and more motorcycles about, unfortunately, these thefts are likely to increase.

Mopeds and Motorcycles are relatively easy to steal, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is easy to alter, and parts are easy to interchange. There’s also a huge market for motorcycle parts on eBay and other internet auction sites. However, there are a few things you can do to keep your bike safe and help reduce motorcycle thefts:

• Keep your bike locked inside or in a secured area. It may take a few seconds to roll it in, but doing so can greatly reduce the risk of theft.
• Keep your bike covered. Oftentimes, thieves scout for particular makes and models, and a cover will help “disguise” your bike.
• Use fork or steering locks, a gas shut-off switch or other anti-theft devices--as a matter of habit.A motorcycle can be stolen in just a few seconds, so get into the habit of using the anti-theft devices often, even for just a short stop at the convenience store.
• A heavy chain and lock may not keep aggressive thieves from taking your wheels, but it can deter them or delay them significantly. A bike without a chain is a much easier target than one with two chains securing each wheel to a phone pole, concrete pillar, railing, or other fixed object.
• Be wary when buying a used motorcycle. Most bikes have a seventeen-digit VIN stamped on either side of the headstock. If the VIN does not look right, if you see grind marks, light stamping, or the numbers are misaligned, contact the police to investigate further. It could be that the bike was stolen and the VIN has been altered to conceal the theft!
• If you are not buying a used bike from a dealer, but a private seller, ask the seller for their driver license, name, address, date of birth, and other information. Fake identities have become very common in dealing stolen motorcycles.
• Should you come across that “one-of-a-kind” custom chrome part on an internet auction site, at a price that’s more like a “steal” than a bargain, chances are it could be stolen. If it’s too good to be true, it likely is.
  
  Consider the reputation, location, and visibility of the seller before you buy any parts online; otherwise, you could be supporting thieves and other less-reputable operations. Remember, the harder you make it for theives to steal your bike, the less likely your bike will get stolen. Ride safe!