Don't Let Theft Put an End to Your Riding

Avoid Having Your Motorcycle Stolen With These Tips

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office has shared these tips for keeping your motorcycle safe when you're not around. 

TIPS TO KEEP MOTORCYCLE THEFTS DOWN

• Park in a well-lit area and/or near security cameras.
• Lock the ignition and steering (forks).
• Take the keys with you. Do not store the keys nearby.
• Disable the motorcycle when parked, especially at night, by installing a kill switch or spring-loaded switch, which must be pressed along with the start button, in a hidden location, and/or remove the main fuse.
• Park your motorcycle indoors (garage, shed, patio or inside the residence.
• Use a disc lock — a device mounted onto a brake disc, with a pin going through either a cutaway space inside the disc or one of the small holes on the disc itself. The lock needs to be thick enough so it hits the fork tube or swing arm to prevent the motorcycle from being rolled away. A disc lock with an alarm that is activated when it senses movement is recommended.
• Cover the motorcycle with a basic, non-named cover to conceal the model from “drive-by hunters” looking to steal a specific model.
• Block the motorcycle in with cars.
• Use a high-quality lock with a cable or chain strung through the wheels or frame and secure to a fixed object that is difficult to defeat (light post) or other motorcycle(s). A chain with a sleeve that protects against scratches and is designed to make it difficult to cut through a link is recommended.
• Lock multiple motorcycles together.
• Install an alarm that triggers when motion is sensed. An alarm with a drain sensor which monitors the electrical system to detect when someone is trying to hotwire the motorcycle, is recommended.
• Do not store the title in the motorcycle’s storage compartment, tank bag, or saddle bag. Leave it at home in a secure location.
• Carry the motorcycle’s registration and insurance ID card on you.
• Take pictures of the motorcycle, especially of anything unique, and have it readily available to give to law enforcement for broadcast.

Source: Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Read More at Jacksonville.com.