Tag Archives: motorcycle theft

Motorcycle News, News

ZiiLock unlocks with thumb or phone

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Fumbling with keys on a motorcycle disc or wheel lock is no longer a problem with this ZiiLock bike lock which unlocks with a thumbprint or smartphone.

ZiiLock which is based in Pasadena, California, and Taiwan, has an open-ended Indiegogo crowd-funding campaign to launch their alarm bike lock.

It has raised more than a quarter of a million dollars to put the lock into production with shipping in December.

Motorcycle lock

Although it is advertised as a bicycle lock, we thought it would also be good for a motorcycle.

We contacted them and they agreed, sending us the above photo as proof.

Up to 96% of stolen motorcycles are not fitted with a security device despite theft rates being doubled that of cars.

ZiiLock costs $US179 (about $A270), but funding supporters can get it for $US99 ($A148).

The lock features a 98cm “unbreakable” temper-hardened foldout arm that goes around the wheel, brake disc and/or a fixture.

They say it will withstand up to a 10-tonne hydraulic cutter.

It also has an alloy steel casing for high drilling resistance and has two-sided milling tooth and multiple bullet pieces which make it difficult to pick or counterfeit.

ZiiLock smart alarmZiiLock anti-theft alarm lock

ZiiLock doesn’t come with a loud, screeching alarm that everyone in the vicinity will ignore anyway.

Instead, the waterproof lock has an always-on alarm that sends an alert to your phone when it senses movement and indicates the bike’s location.

But the great feature is that it can be unlocked with a normal key, or a smartphone or even your finger or thumb print.

Of course, it’s not impossible for a thief to lop off your finger or thumb, or steal your phone to gain access. However, it looks like a pretty good system to us.

They say that all the wireless communications are encrypted by AES 256 military-level security.ZiiLock anti-theft alarm lock

However, if you need to share your bike with someone, you can share fingerprint access with up to 20 others.

ZiiLock is powered by a rechargeable lithium battery that will last more than tree months.

If it does run out, you can still use the mechanical key.

The whole lock folds away and fits in your hand so it can be carried under some motorcycle seats or in a jacket pocket or your backpack.

It comes in red or grey.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Biggest vehicle theft rise is in motorcycles

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Motor vehicle theft in Australia increased by 3% in the past year, largely due to a 9% rise in motorcycle theft. 

Motorcycle theft rose by 720 vehicles to a total of 8928, with a recovery rate of 48% in the 12 months to March 2019, according to the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council.Biggest rise is in motorcycle theft

Joy ride theft was up 7%, but profit-motivated theft, usually by organised gangs, was up 10%.

This is a worrying trend because motorcycle thefts in 2018 were up 7.3%.

Motorcycle theft is also up 1.5% in the past four years compared with the previous four. But then motorcycle ownership is also up.

Thefts rise in most states

Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hrambanis says the biggest rise in motorcycle theft continues to be in NSW and Queensland.

State or Territory 2017-04 to 2018-03 2018-04 to 2019-03 % change
Thefts
% of thefts 
 Thefts
% of thefts 
ACT 138 105 -23.9% 
NSW 1,758 2,022 15.0% 
NT 113 84 -25.7% 
QLD 1,474 1,794 21.7% 
SA 542 623 14.9% 
TAS 120 162 35.0% 
VIC 2,031 2,051 1.0% 
WA 2,032 2,087 2.7% 
AUS 8,208 100.0 8,928 100.0 8.8% 

Queensland’s rise could be explained by the fact that it left the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council seven years ago under the Newman Government.

It will rejoin the body from July 1 to find ways of preventing vehicle theft.

The RACQ has applauded the move.

“The Police Minister’s commitment to rejoin this theft prevention group is the right move,” says safety officer and Bonneville rider Steve Spalding.

“Since 2012 our leaders have backed out of financially supporting the [council] and subsequently missed out on receiving funding for locally delivered crime prevention programs, so we’re now looking forward to seeing our state reap these long-awaited benefits.”

The council is currently investigating the efficacy of tougher penalties for vehicle theft.

The worst hotspots for motorcycle theft continue to be South East Queensland, Melbourne, Sydney/Newcastle and Perth.

State or Territory LGA 2014-04 to 2015-03 2018-04 to 2019-03 % change
QLD Brisbane (City) 299 448 49.8% 
QLD Gold Coast (City) 157 269 71.3% 
VIC Melbourne (City) 137 254 85.4% 
QLD Logan (City) 113 182 61.1% 
NSW Sydney (City) 118 163 38.1% 
NSW Newcastle (City) 45 158 251.1% 
QLD Moreton Bay (Regional Council) 124 155 25.0% 
WA Swan (City) 109 147 34.9% 
WA Stirling (City) 141 146 3.5% 
WA Broome (Shire) 96 126 31.2% 

Easy to steal

Motorcycles and scooters are the easiest vehicles to steal because they are lighter than other vehicles and difficult to lock and anchor.

And the lighter the bike or scooter, the more likely it is to be stolen.

Cubic capacity 2014-04 to 2015-03 % of thefts 2018-04 to 2019-03 % of thefts
50 cc or less 1,048 890
51 – 100 cc 178 97
101 – 150 cc 835 957
151 – 200 cc 137 168
201 – 250 cc 1,110 942
251 – 500 cc 978 1,187
501 – 750 cc 782 833
751 – 1000 cc 394 437
1001 cc or more 288 290
Electric 1 1
Unknown 2,255 3,126

This is also reflected in the prevalence of scooter brands in the most marques.

Obviously, the most common motorcycles on the road also feature in the theft stats.

Make 2014-04 to 2015-03 2018-04 to 2019-03
Honda 1,571 1,882
Yamaha 1,475 1,540
Kawasaki 734 819
Suzuki 769 772
KTM 482 604
SYM 188 252
Harley-Davidson 171 225
Kymco 111 222
Piaggio 142 203
Triumph 129 187
Hyosung 149 166
Longjia 158 148
Husqvarna 109 136
Aprilia 72 99
Ducati 67 85
TGB 111 81
Vespa 66 78
BMW 47 71
Bolwell 78 66
Vmoto 115 66

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Police survey riders on motorcycle theft

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Riders are being asked to complete a quick online survey about motorcycle theft and security devices as part of a campaign to raise awareness.

Queensland Police and the RACQ launched their “Stop Stolen Motorcycles” awareness campaign last year and have now included this quick online Motorbike Theft Survey.

RACQ tech and safety guru Steve Spalding says it is good to see police following up on the launch to “measure any changes (hopefully improvements) of awareness of using anti-theft devices”.

“RACQ is very supportive of the work QPS is doing to raise awareness of motorcycle theft and promote the use of simple low-cost devices to help secure a bike,” says Steve who rides a Triumph Bonneville SE.

Motorcycle theft Senior Constable Tony Tatkovich and Steve Spalding RACQ srvey
Senior Constable Tony Tatkovich and Steve Spalding RACQ wth a motorcycle disc lock

“We think the survey is a great opportunity to assist the police in better understanding the level of awareness riders have about security and using anti-theft devices.

“Having a bike stolen is not just costly for the owner but disruptive and inconvenient to sort out a replacement, and to many riders a bike is more than just functional transport.

“A rider can reduce the risk of theft by better securing it and a simple device, such as a disc lock, can mean an opportunistic thief will move on to another bike that’s easier for them to take.

“A standard steering lock is only providing a basic level of protection.”

Theft rise

In Queensland, the motorcycle theft hotspot is Brisbane where 232 bikes were stolen from 2012 to 2017.

Half were stolen from parking bays, 108 (47%) were taken from a residence and eight (3%) from businesses. 

Only 48% of stolen motorcycles are partially recovered. Most are disassembled and sold for parts. 

Stop Stolen Motorcycles campaign leader Senior Constable Tony Tatkovich says 96% of stolen bikes were not fitted with a security device.

Senior Constable Tony Tatkovich launches awareness campaign motorcycle theft
Senior Constable Tony Tatkovich launches awareness campaign

Survey

The short survey asks questions about riders’ use of motorbikes, awareness of anti-theft devices, and ownership of anti-theft devices.

Respondents are not required to identify themselves except to supply a postcode.

Police say the information is anonymous in accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2009.

It will only be used to inform others of the effectiveness of anti-theft devices.

Should you require any additional information before participating in this survey, or at any other stage, please contact Marcus TESTON, Research & Evaluation Unit, OCC via email at [email protected] or phone on 07 3015 2532.

We will publish results of the review when they are available.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Preventing Motorcycle Theft With Modern Technology

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(Contributed post on preventing motorcycle theft)

It’s not groundbreaking news to say that motorcycles get stolen from time to time, and part of the problem is the lack of care that owners take in preventing it from happening to them. Even if by some miracle your stolen motorcycle is recovered, I think it’s safe to say that you would rather not go through the ordeal to begin with.

That’s why that old adage about prevention being better than a cure exists. If you take the extra measures necessary to secure your motorcycle, you can do a lot to discourage would-be thiefs and prevent it from ever happening.

So, what exactly are those extra measures?

Use or Install:

Motorcycle Starter Kill Switch

Most modern motorcycles come with a kill switch already installed, but if yours doesn’t you might want to get one. Kill switches are one of the most effective ways of preventing theft. Here’s how they work:

When a key is turned in the ignition, electricity begins to flow from the battery to the engine. This starts a circuit that will eventually cause the motor to engage, thus allowing fuel and air to ignite.

A starter kill switch interrupts this process by preventing electricity from reaching the spark plugs.

Installing a hidden kill switch on your bike ensures that your bike doesn’t start unless the kill switch is disabled. Make sure to shut your bike off with the kill switch because this engages the kill switch.

Disc Brake Lock

Brake locks preventing the wheels from turning will stop thieves rolling with your bike. And while it’s an effective deterrent, it takes up significant storage space and it can be quite inconvenient to install and remove, making it not as popular as an anti-theft device. People who do use them generally only do so when they’re going to be away for a long time.

Anti-Theft Alarm

While this measure is nothing new, it’s one that has proven to be effective at keeping thieves away and alerting people to the thieves that aren’t discouraged by it. Just make sure to have the alarm sensitivity tuned properly.

Do:

Park Within FOV of Security Cameras

It’s standard procedure for thieves to scout an area for security cameras before they attempt to steal anything. Parking within the field of view of security cameras helps you identify thieves if they aren’t outright discouraged.

Park Near Other Motorcycles

There are two main benefits of parking near other motorcycles. The first is that your bike is less likely to be singled out. And even if that fails, more bikes means that there’s going to be more people around the area. Riders usually look out for each other and this is often more than enough to prevent theft.

If All Else Fails: GPS Locator

While having a GPS locator installed in your motorcycle might not be much of a deterrent, you’d be happy to have it when you need it. It helps the authorities find your bike much quicker. At which point, you can recover your motorbike either by heading to where it is, of having it transported to you through motorcycle shipping if you’re overseas.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Four alleged stolen motorcycles recovered

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Four stolen motorcycles have been recovered and 118 people charged on 342 offences following a four-day police operation in Logan, south of Brisbane.

This follows similar police operations in Victorian and NSW last month where police seized 11 stolen motorbikes under investigations into motor vehicle theft and rebirthing.

In Queensland, Operation Romeo-Velodrome ran over two weekends (May 10-11 and May 15-16) and involved officers from Logan District Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB), Logan Tactical Crime Squad, General Duties police, Dog Squad, State Crime Command, Road Policing Unit, Forensic Services Branch, PolAir and Gold Coast Rapid Action Patrols (RAP).

The aim of the operation was to target drug-related crime specifically linked to methamphetamines.

During the operation police seized large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA, morphine, prescription drugs, cannabis, six firearms including shotguns and a handgun, in excess of 100 rounds of 9mm ammunition and $10,000 in cash.

Police also recovered four stolen motorcycles, two cars, a trailer, four camper trailers, a caravan, ride on lawnmower, air conditioning units, iPads, tablets, mobile phones and jewellery.

If you believe any of this property is yours, contact Policelink or phone 131 444.

Stolen AJS

Stolen 1959 AJS 7R 350 stolen motorcycles
Stolen 1959 AJS 7R 350

Have you seen this valuable and unique-looking black 1959 AJS 7R 350 motorcycle with a white fairing?

It was stolen from a house on Wangandary Rd, Wangaratta, some time between April 13 and May 10.

Wangaratta Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for help to locate the distinctive motorbike.

Post-war AJS 7R 350cc single-cylinder motorcycles are valuable, fetching as much as $46,000-$54,000.

Police released the above images of the motorcycle in the hope someone may recognise it and be able to provide information on its whereabouts.

Anyone who has information or who may have seen the motorbike is urged to contact Wangaratta CIU on 5723 0888 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Stolen motorcycles rampant

Motorcycle theft is running rampant throughout Australia, according to the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council.

Thefts increased by 597 (7.3%) last year to a total of 8746 with a recovery rate of just 47%.

Last month, Victorian and NSW police seized 11 stolen motorbikes under investigations into motor vehicle theft and rebirthing.

Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hrambanis says the biggest rises in stolen motorcycles was in NSW and Queensland.

“In most cases vehicle theft is almost always opportunistic, with the vehicle being stolen for short-term use and later recovered (78% in Queensland),” Caitlin says.

The Council is shortly expected to release a review of the amended NSW Crimes Act which introduced a new offence of knowingly facilitating a rebirthing activity carried out on an organised basis.

It was designed to deter thieves by applying tougher penalties to any and all members in a theft network involved in stealing your motorcycle or car with tougher penalties.

While it seemed a good idea at the time, the figures seem to show it is not working.

We will have a report on the review in coming weeks.

Theft by state

State or Territory 2017 2018 % change
Thefts
% of thefts 
 Thefts
% of thefts 
ACT 126 107 -15.1% 
NSW 1679 1968 17.2% 
NT 126 82 -34.9% 
QLD 1510 1696 12.3% 
SA 521 555 6.5% 
TAS 122 141 15.6% 
VIC 2013 2092 3.9% 
WA 2052 2105 2.6% 
AUS 8149 100.0 8746 100.0 7.3% 

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Tougher vehicle theft penalties assessed

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As motorcycle theft continues to be the one area of vehicle theft to rise, a tougher penalty system for offenders is being assessed.

Australian motor vehicle theft is down 4% in the year to October 2018, with the only sector increasing being motorcycles, up 4%.

The biggest increase was in NSW which was up 258 or 15.9% to 1878, despite the state introducing tougher penalties for rebirthing offenders in 2006.

Any rider whose has their pride and joy stolen would probably suggest tough penalties. In one previous article a reader suggested castration!

Tougher penalties

theft lock grinder steal thief tougher
Thieves caught lifting a bike on to a ute

Law enforcement agencies agree that tougher penalties are needed.

However, the big problem has been that organised criminal rings use specialist criminals for different functions of the same offence.

They include bike thieves, burglars who break into your house to steal car or bike keys, re-birthers, fencers and document forgers.

This has made it difficult to convict offenders and gang bosses or organisers. Charges were often not proven or bargained down to lesser charges, such as receiving stolen property.

At best, the conviction system was protracted with little or no joy for the victims.

In 2006, the NSW government amended the Crimes Act 1900 to introduce a new offence of knowingly facilitating a rebirthing activity carried out on an organised basis.

It would apply to any and all members in the network involved in stealing your motorcycle or car with tougher penalties.

While it seemed like a good idea, National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council figures seem to show it is not working. In fact, NSW bike theft is up almost a quarter over the past four years.

Motorcycle theft 2013-10 to 2018-09

State/Territory 2013-10 to 2014-09 2017-10 to 2018-09 % change
Thefts
% of thefts 
 Thefts
% of thefts 
ACT 109 110 0.9% 
NSW 1,506 1,878 24.7% 
NT 190 87 -54.2% 
QLD 1,354 1,619 19.6% 
SA 451 543 20.4% 
TAS 111 142 27.9% 
VIC 1,832 2,097 14.5% 
WA 2,638 2,044 -22.5% 
AUS 8,191 100.0 8,520 100.0 4.0% 

Laws assessed

Law firm DLA Phillips Fox assessed the law changes in 2010 but found many matters were still before the court. They found there had not been enough time to draw conclusions on the law’s impact.

So now the NMVTRC has engaged law firm Clayton Utz to do a second review.

They will not only consider NSW prosecutions but also identify issues that might lead to similar provisions across the nation.

A report is expected to be available by end of April 2019.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Government blame for motorcycle theft

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The former Campbell Newman Government not only disrupted Queensland’s motorcycle industry with discriminatory VLAD laws, but may also have contributed to the state’s skyrocketing motorcycle theft rate.

RACQ spokesman Steve Spalding says the state’s rising car and bike theft rate is a result of the former government’s decision to pull out of the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council (NMVTRC) about five years ago.

Consequently, Queensland’s motorcycle theft rate has risen the most of any state. In the past 12 months it is up 10.2%, while the national rate is down 3.5%.

“It cost $200,000 a year to be part of the council,” Steve says. “But it gave us access to a lot of research, detailed analysis and effective programs such as the young offender program.”

Police Minister Mark Ryan has not replied to our request for comment about the current government rejoining the NMVTRC.

The massive rise in Queensland’s motorcycle theft rate has prompted a police and RACQ “Stop Stolen Motorcycles” awareness campaign to remind riders to secure their bike.

Motorcycle theft Senior Constable Tony Tatkovich and Steve Spalding RACQ
Senior Constable Tony Tatkovich and Steve Spalding RACQ wth a motorcycle disc lock

Theft campaign

In Queensland, the motorcycle theft hotspot is Brisbane where 232 bikes were stolen from 2012 to 2017.

Half were stolen from parking bays, 108 (47%) were taken from a residence and eight (3%) from businesses. 

Only 48% of stolen motorcycles are partially recovered. Most are disassembled and sold for parts. 

Stop Stolen Motorcycles campaign leader Senior Constable Tony Tatkovich says 96% of stolen bikes were not fitted with a security device.

Senior Constable Tony Tatkovich launches awareness campaign motorcycle theft
Senior Constable Tony Tatkovich launches awareness campaign

“The best way to prevent your motorcycle from being stolen is to take significant measures by using anti-theft devices like disc locks with audible alarms or tracking devices,” the Yamaha R1 fanatic says.

“With a loud motion sensor alarm in them they cost from about $50 and act to deter would-be thieves as well as alert the community who are witnesses to the crime.”

Steve, who is a keen Suzuki Bandit rider, says disc locks would make a “relatively inexpensive” Christmas gift for a rider.

If riders see or hear suspicious behaviour involving motorcycle theft, they can contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24 hours a day. 

The Stop Stolen Motorcycles campaign consists of leaflet drops on bikes and at dealerships, as well as posters at carparks and social media.

Theft hotspots

State/Territory Local Government area Previous 12 month Past 12 months % change
QLD Brisbane (City) 2,436 2,632 8.0% 
QLD Gold Coast (City) 1,655 1,879 13.5% 
QLD Logan (City) 1,056 1,288 22.0% 
VIC Hume (City) 1,025 1,113 8.6% 
ACT Greater ACT 1,199 1,098 -8.4% 
QLD Moreton Bay (Regional Council) 860 915 6.4% 
NSW Blacktown (City) 790 810 2.5% 
VIC Casey (City) 789 731 -7.4% 
VIC Moreland (City) 663 706 6.5% 
VIC Whittlesea (City) 780 695 -10.9% 

The national decrease in motorcycle theft in the past 12 months is a big turn-around.

Motorcycle theft rose 5% in the 2017/2018 financial year while all other vehicle theft across Australia dropped, according to NMVTRC figures.

The biggest change since then has been a marked decrease in theft in Western Australia which had been the worst performing state for some time. In the past 12 months, WA thefts are down a massive 21.3%.

As well as initiatives to make motorcycles safe from theft in Western Australia, the decrease has also been the result of a decline in the state’s economic fortunes since the mining downturn. 

Here’s how you can protect your bike

  • Use a secure disc lock with an alarm and a reminder cord attached to your handlebars so you don’t ride off with it still in place.
  • If you park your motorcycle outside your house, consider installing wireless outdoor security cameras or a motion sensor light near the bike.
  • Also, use the steering lock if your bike has one.
  • Even when parked in a secure location such as your garage or behind a locked gate, consider the extra security of using the steering lock, a disc lock or chain as well.
  • Pull out a spark plug or fuse, or have an immobiliser fitted.
  • Avoid parking your bike in railway or shopping centre car parks as these are notorious for theft.
  • Park in a locked carpark. If you have to park in the open, leave it where you can see your bike or in view of a security camera and/or under a light.
  • Otherwise, keep your bike out of sight, maybe parking it behind your car. If parking in a garage, block the bike with your car and ensure the garage is locked.
  • Use DataDot, DNA+ or a security tag to identify your bike.
    thief DNA+ invisible marker rampant campaign
  • When riding home, make sure you are not being followed.
  • Stay alert for suspicious vans or trucks driving around late at night. These are used to transport stolen motorcycles.
  • Put a cover over your bike. It might slow down thieves and prevent theft of accessories. But make sure it isn’t a flashy lone with the brand name of the bike on it. That only entices thieves.
  • When riding in a group, park your bikes together.
  • Consider marking your bike in a unique way that could aid in recovery and therefore dissuade thieves.
  • At hotels or public parking spaces, try to park in view of parking lot security cameras and lights.
  • Install a motorcycle alarm and/or a hidden kill switch.
  • Buy a GPS tracking system that can track and relay your bike’s speed, location and direction.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com