You might want to take a seat for this story. According to statistics from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, North Carolina has the fifth most reported motorcycle thefts in the country.

In 2016, 1,847 motorcycles were reportedly stolen in North Carolina. The National Insurance Crime Bureau has said that a total of 46,467 motorcycles have been stolen nationwide, compared to the 45,555 motorcycles reported stolen in 2015. This 2% uptick is indicative of a concerning trend. 

Why are motorcycles so much more susceptible to theft? Well for one thing, motorcycles lack the anti theft technology that automobiles come with. Additionally, motorcycle locks are much easier to crack and some motorcycles even come with remote starting devices that can be hacked; meaning theft does not even require a key.

So how can you protect yourself and enjoy biking season without fear of theft?

1. Educate Yourself

The 5 most stolen motorcycle brands are Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Harley-Davidson. Be aware if you own one of these. Additionally, the 3 months with the highest risk for theft are July, August, and September. Thieves are most comfortable during the summer, when it is warm and motorcycles are out and readily available; be extra cautious during that time.

2. Utilize Safety Precautions

Make sure you adapt safety precautions into your routine.

• Always lock your ignition (majority of thefts occur when the ignition is turned off, but not locked).
• Lock your motorcycle to an immovable object.
• Lock the forks and brakes.
• Park bikes in a group.
• Park your bike in a discreet location, behind a large object or cars if possible.
• If parked for an extended period of time, check on your motorcycle occasionally.
• Leave little to no slack on your lock.
• Install GPS, Tracking, and/or a hidden “kill” switch on your bike. 

3. Properly Protect Your Motorcycle

Ensure you have proper theft protection through insurance coverage. Motorcycles can now be worth upwards of $20,000, and with proper insurance, you will not want to worry about replacing it all on your own.