Tag Archives: vehicle theft

Motorcycle Security Tips from London

By Arthur Yarwood*

The last few years have seen London struggle to control a huge motorcycle crime wave. At its peak in 2017, 15,497 motorcycles and scooters were stolen in London1, that’s over 42 a day! Crime figures have since been brought down by a concerted Police action, including tactics to ram thieves off bikes and an awareness campaign of preventative security owners should use.

However, thieves are getting ever resourceful, no longer just relying on bolt croppers, today’s tooled up criminals are carrying battery powered angle grinders, freeze sprays to shatter brittle metal and using (previously stolen) scooters to push stolen bikes away.

What can you do to avoid motorcycle theft? 80% of motorcycle theft occurs at home with average thefts taking only 20 seconds!2 So, tool up and invest in the best motorcycle security devices you can buy, follow the tips below on what to look for in heavy duty security for use at home.

Security ChainLondon motorcycle theft

As a minimum, invest in a security chain with 16mm case-hardened links; 16mm is too big to be attacked by big bolt croppers and through-hardened links are too brittle, the whole link will shatter after one side is broken. With grinder attacks so common, larger chains with links up to 22mm are available from the firms like Almax and Pragmasis. Still not 100% grinder proof, but they’ll take considerable longer to cut and put off all but the most determined thieves.

When locking your bike, keep your chain elevated off the ground, it’ll be a lot harder to attack if it can’t be braced against something solid.

Ground Anchor

A chain alone won’t stop you motorcycle being lifted into a van, you need to chain you bike down to something solid like a ground anchor. These are either a hoop design to bolt to a concrete floor (with measures to prevent unbolting) or are a Y-shaped pipework design to be sunken into a fresh concrete hole. The latter are neater and flush to the floor, but more effort to install. Once a good chain is threaded through your bike and the ground anchor, no-one will lift your bike away without a good deal of angle grinder work.

Disc LockLondon motorcycle theft

Essentially a lockable pin clamp to go on your brake disc to prevent your bike being rolled away. Not as secure as a quality chain and often removed relatively quickly with a grinder, either directly or by grinding a chunk out of the brake disc! However, disc locks are still a worthwhile buy due to their portability for when you’re parked up away from home and many are available with a loud alarm. If you’ve got one, use it in combination with your chain and ground anchor at home as well to increase the theft effort.

Cover

Obviously a thin rain cover isn’t going to secure your bike much, but a cover will hide your bike from prying eyes and opportunist thieves. They won’t know if you’ve got a posh Ducati or a tatty commuter hack, what manner of security gear you have in place and are one more thing to slow a thief down. Don’t take my word for it, a bike cover was also a key part of the recent Met Police “Be Safe Lock Chain Cover” campaign3 to raise awareness of motorbike theft in London. Considering the low cost of a cover, they’re well worth using.

Conclusion

Motorcycle theft is a big problem in many cities and should not be dismissed without thought. You maybe insured against theft, but excesses and future hikes in premiums will still hit your wallet. Above are some simple measures and a minimum to protect yourself, more tips are in this motorcycle security guide. Ultimately, there is no single wonder device, use multiple, each requiring more time and effort to overcome.

Bio

Arthur Yarwood | Beginner Biker Adventures – Seasoned London commuter, doing my best to stay rubber side down.

Sources

  1. Met Police (https://www.met.police.uk/SysSiteAssets/foi-media/metropolitan-police/disclosure_2018/february_2018/information-rights-unit—detailed-breakdown-of-statistics-for-motorcycle-theft-in-london-by-borough-for-2017)
  2. National Crime Intelligence Service (NCIS)
  3. Met Police, Be Safe scooter theft (https://www.met.police.uk/police-forces/metropolitan-police/areas/about-us/about-the-met/campaigns/be-safe-campaign/be-safe-scooter-theft/)

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Stolen bikes take longer to recover

Stolen motorcycles and scooters are now taking longer to recover, according to the latest National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council report.

It shows that in the 12 months to March 2020, motor vehicle theft rose 11% while motorcycle and scooter theft was up a whopping 19% to 9938.Motorcycle theft hot spots

Motorcycle thefts by state

State or Territory

2018-04 to 2019-03

2019-04 to 2020-03

% change

Thefts

% of thefts

Thefts

% of thefts

ACT 105 1.2 122 1.2 16.2%
NSW 2,023 22.6 2,155 21.7 6.5%
NT 85 1.0 94 0.9 10.6%
QLD 1,792 20.0 2,128 21.4 18.8%
SA 623 7.0 865 8.7 38.8%
TAS 163 1.8 219 2.2 34.4%
VIC 2,057 23.0 2,177 21.9 5.8%
WA 2,090 23.4 2,178 21.9 4.2%
AUS 8,938 100.0 9,938 100.0 11.2%

Time to recover

Worse still for the owners, stolen motorcycle recovered within seven days dropped by 10%.

The time to recover stolen motorcycles increased most in Victoria and was more pronounced in metropolitan areas.

Most stolen vehicles took longer to recover the more expensive and younger they were.

However, stolen motorcycles did not show any considerable differences in the time to recover across vehicle age.

The Council believes some of the reasons for the longer recovery period for motorcycles include:

  • An increase in the use of cloned number plates to avoid detection and the elimination of registration labels. This makes it more difficult for police to detect stolen vehicles and gives thieves more time to use the stolen vehicle.
  • Changes in police priorities including a greater focus on drugs, terrorism and domestic violence.
  • Offenders’ perception of police pursuit policies. Offenders may believe that by riding dangerously they can convince police to pull out of a pursuit thus enabling them to keep the stolen vehicle for a longer period of time.
  • An indication that offenders are getting older and less likely to be detected by police based purely on their age.
  • A community shift to a “mind your own business” approach to crime. People may be less likely to ‘get involved’ if they see an abandoned vehicle resulting in a delay in it being report to authorities. There is also a possibility that this change in social attitude is more evident in metropolitan areas.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Two charged after stolen bike crash

Two men riding a stolen motorcycle and not wearing helmets have been arrested and charged after a police pursuit on the NSW Central Coast today (31 May 2020).

Just after 10.30am, a motorcycle, allegedly stolen from an Erina shopping centre, was seen travelling on Hely Street at Wyong.

At the time, the rider and pillion passenger were not wearing helmets.

Officers from NSW Police Brisbane Water Police Area Command attempted to stop the motorcycle on Enterprise Drive.

When it allegedly failed to stop, a pursuit was initiated before being terminated shortly after due to safety concerns.

Stolen bike

The stolen motorcycle continued through the Central Coast area and was monitored by PolAir.

At the intersection of Erina Street and Henry Parry Drive, Gosford, the rider and another vehicle crashed.

The rider and passenger were thrown from the motorcycle and fled.

Shortly after, a 30-year-old man was arrested nearby.

The second man ran to the rooftop car park of a nearby abandoned shopping centre. Police followed on foot, before the man jumped a barrier, landing on a window ledge below.

With the assistance from Fire & Rescue NSW, Police Rescue and other specialist resources, the 23-year-old man was rescued and arrested.

Both men were taken to Gosford Hospital, under police guard, suffering injuries sustained in the crash.

The younger man has been charged with:

  • Larceny (two counts);
  • Shoplifting;
  • Take and drive conveyance;
  • Police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly;
  • Drive recklessly/furiously or speed manner dangerous;
  • Unlicensed rider; and
  • Rider without helmet with passenger.

He has also been charged with a revocation warrant.

The older man has been charged with:

  • Motorbike passenger no helmet;
  • Be carried in conveyance;
  • Possess a prohibited drug (two counts); and
  • Breach of bail.

They have been bail refused to appear in Newcastle Local Court on Monday (1 June 2020).

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Can you identify this scooter thief?

Can you identify this scooter thief from the inset image of the man while riding in the back of a taxi?

Sunshine Coast detectives want to speak to him about the theft of a Suzuki UK110 scooter from outside a surf club at Coolum last week.

Just after 4pm last Saturday (9 May 2020), the man attended the surf club on David Low Way where he stole a silver 2015 Suzuki UK110 bearing Queensland registration 095QU.

Prior to this, the man attempted to steal a car from a house on First Avenue at Coolum Beach, just after 3.30pm.

The man was confronted by the residents and ran from the area.

He is described as Caucasian in appearance, of a solid build with short dark hair. He is also described as having New Zealand accent and wearing a black shirt and shorts at the time.

Anyone with information that could identify the man, or the whereabouts of the scooter, is urged to contact police.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.

Quote this reference number: QP2000959139 within the online suspicious activity form.

Motorcycle and scooter theft rose more than any other category of vehicle last year with South East Queensland a hotspot for thieves.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Leap in motorcycle thefts for 2019

Motorcycle theft rose more than any other category of vehicle last year with the biggest leap in South Australia and Tasmania and South East Queensland being a hotspot for thieves.

Figures released today by the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council show motorcycle theft across the nation up 10.5% to 9672.

That’s a 19.7% leap from the 8078 stolen five years ago.

Theft leap

The leap in motorcycle theft rates has prompted the Council to invite rider groups to partner with them to raise security awareness.

For more details of how your bike group can be involved click here.

Council Projects and Communications Coordinator Caitlin Hrambanis says there could be several reasons for the explosion on motorcycle theft rates:

  • The ease with which they are stolen;
  • A high demand for parts; and
  • The lack of security measures by riders.

Where they were stolen

The biggest increase over the past 12 months was in South Australia where thefts almost doubled from 555 to 822.

It was followed by Tasmania with a 40.4% increase to 198.

State/Terr 2018 2019 % change
Thefts Thefts
ACT 107 126 17.8% 
NSW 1,969 2,132 8.3% 
NT 82 97 18.3% 
QLD 1,690 2,017 19.3% 
SA 555 822 48.1% 
TAS 141 198 40.4% 
VIC 2,097 2,115 0.9% 
WA 2,108 2,165 2.7% 
AUS 8,749 100.0 9,672 100.0 10.5% 
But the real hotspots for motorcycle theft in Australia are in South East Queensland, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney.

This table of motorcycle thefts according to local government areas shows that four of the top 10 are in the South East Queensland area.

Cockburn and Stirling are in Perth, and Darebin and Melbourne are, of course in Melbourne.

State or Territory LGA 2018 2019 % change
QLD Brisbane (City) 432 526 21.8% 
QLD Gold Coast (City) 244 285 16.8% 
VIC Melbourne (City) 246 250 1.6% 
QLD Logan (City) 157 202 28.7% 
QLD Moreton Bay (Regional Council) 129 184 42.6% 
WA Cockburn (City) 76 171 125.0% 
NSW Sydney (City) 151 151 0.0% 
VIC Darebin (City) 106 141 33.0% 
WA Stirling (City) 147 140 -4.8% 
NSW Newcastle (City) 130 130 0.0% 

What is being stolen

There is little change in what is being stolen.

It’s mostly light bikes, dirt bikes and scooters which are the easiest to steal.

Also popular were the most prolific brands, such as the four Japanese brands.

Make 2015 2019
Honda 1,678 2,104
Yamaha 1,424 1,665
Kawasaki 804 925
Suzuki 821 868
KTM 523 634
SYM 171 350
Kymco 112 245
Harley-Davidson 213 215
Piaggio 159 202
Triumph 143 197
Hyosung 168 162
Husqvarna 99 158
Longjia 139 150
Ducati 85 107
Aprilia 69 99
BMW 56 90
TGB 108 87
Vespa 75 78
Bolwell 56 72
Adly 101 60
Cubic capacity 2015 % of thefts 2019 % of thefts
50cc or less 966 851
51 – 100cc 186 91
101 – 150cc 871 1,101
151 – 200cc 147 154
201 – 250cc 1,106 949
251 – 500cc 1,028 1,332
501 – 750cc 901 930
751 – 1000cc 446 431
1001cc or more 332 295
Electric 1 4
Unknown 2,270 3,534

How to secure your bike

Click here to find out what measures you can take to prevent your bike from ending up in these statistics.

  • 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.
  • Lock the steering if it has a steering lock.
  • 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

Alarmbox may negate need for lock

The Alarmbox aftermarket motion sensor alarm could negate your need to physically lock your motorcycle with a chain or disc lock.

Many aftermarket disc locks now have similar sensors.

However, the Alarmbox is convenient as you may not need to use a physical locking system.

It is similar to the motion sensors built into the security systems on some expensive motorcycles such as Harley-Davidson models.

AlarmboxAlarmbox motorcycle motion sensor alarm

Alarmbox is made by German lock manufacturer Abus.

The rectangular unit has a three-dimensional motion sensor and can be fitted permanently to your motorcycle, or any other valuable item.

It should be positioned under the seat or somewhere out of sight, but still accessible as it is armed and disarmed by inserting a key.

If a thief moves your bike, the alarm starts quietly and builds within 15 seconds to very loud (100dB) unless the thief stops moving the bike.

This guards against disturbing the neighbourhood with a loud alarm if the bike is accidentally bumped such as when someone is parking next to you.

It is powered by a replaceable CR2 lithium battery.

The device comes in black or blue, weighs 370g and its dimensions are 18x56x84mm, so it’s about the same weight and size as a small container of butter.

The Abus Alarmbox is not yet available, but when it is, it will be priced at about $A90.

Theft warningPolice survey on motorcycle thefts

We would advise riders not rely solely on a loud alarm to save their bike as we have heard car alarms before that everybody just ignores!

Queensland Police Service statistics show that more than 95% of bikes stolen from the Brisbane area did not have any form of additional security and just under half had some type of cover over them.

We also recommend using as much security as you can, such as physical locks and chains, to avoid the rampant rise of motorcycle theft.

Click here for more tips on securing your motorcycle.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Never lose your motorcycle keys

If you’ve ever lost your motorcycle key and don’t have a back-up, you’ll know how expensive modern keys can be to replace.

Many modern motorcycle keys now have a security code for the ignition immobiliser. It can be etched on the key itself, written down on purchase documentation or owner’s manual, stamped on a card or engraved on a metal tab attached to the key.

Security code

If you lose your keys and have the security code, some bikes have an emergency contingency for starting your bike, usually using a series of controls on the indicators or other controls.

A new key could only cost about $50. However, the security fob can cost several hundred dollars.

Harley-Davidson CVO Pro Street Breakout please reduceHarley remote key fob

But if you lose the keys and your security code, you could face thousands of dollars to get a new ignition security system and sometimes the ECU as well!

If you are buying brand new, you will get two sets of keys and/or fobs plus a pin code.

Immediately put your pin code in your phone along with your VIN (vehicle identification number) and keep a copy with your spare key at home in a safe place.

Be aware that thieves have been known to break into houses just to steal vehicle keys.

If you buy a bike second-hand, always ensure you get the back-up set of keys. If they say they lost them, be suspicious as they could be planning to visit your place and reclaim their bike in the middle of the night!

Motorcycle theft hot spots keyring thieves miserly CCTV black friday thefts stolen boomBuy your “warning” keyring now at the Motorbike Writer online shop for just $6.

No immobiliser

Older bikes without immobilisers will have a key code on the ignition cylinder which you will have to pry out. If you can’t remove the ignition cylinder, try the seat lock, fuel tank or steering lock as they should be the same.

A locksmith should be able to replicate a key based on that code for a reasonably small fee.

If you can’t find the code or it’s rusted off, call an automotive locksmith.

They may still be able to help you based on the model details, so long as you have proof of ownership.

If you have a pre-immobiliser bike and only one key, it’s a good idea to get a spare cut from that key. Again, it’s cheap insurance.

Keep it in a safe place at home and maybe get a third key that you keep in your wallet or jacket.

Lost keys

Insert Before Flight keyring photosBuy your “warning” keyring now at the Motorbike Writer online shop for just $6

The best way to avoid any of the above costly problems is to never lose your keys.

Many riders, including myself, forget to take their keys out of the bike when they park.

That’s because there is so much to do when you stop: Kill switch, side stand, glasses, helmet, gloves, etc. It’s easy to forget to take out your key.

Thieves have been known to steal motorcycles with the keys still in them.

It’s not only dumb to leave your keys in your bike, but also illegal in some states with fines up to more than $100. I’ve seen cops fining riders who are more than 3m from their bike with the key still in it!

So get into a routine when you get off your bike: take out the key first.

Also, put your key in exactly the same pocket of your jacket or pants every time you get off the bike. Make sure it’s a secure pocket with a zip.

Keep a spare key with your vehicle ownership records at home in a safe place. Maybe keep a third set in another place or in your wallet or jacket. Never “hide” a spare key on your bike.

Thieves are not that stupid. They will look under the seat and fenders, etc for zip-tied spare keys.

You can also buy a “tile” which goes on your keyring and pairs via Bluetooth to your phone to show you where your keys are.

They cost from about $20 to about $100. Obviously, the more you pay, the more reliable they are.

Most are made of plastic so they won’t scratch your bike. However, you can get keyrings with covers to protect your bike.KodaKey keyring

There are now more hi-tech options that will even track your bike on an app so you know where you parked it in case you forgot or it’s stolen!

But make sure it’s waterproof like the BlaqWold key tracker which costs $24.99. You can use it for a lot of other uses, as well.

As we said, thieves usually aren’t stupid and will identify these trackers and remove them, but at least you will be notified if your bike has been stolen.

Damaged keys

Sometimes keys can get bent or damaged and won’t turn in the ignition.

A locksmith may be able to fix that or replicate the key.

But first try white graphite powder in the ignition barrel. 

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Take care posting about your motorcycle

Posting photos about your motorcycle could be inviting professional theft gangs to target you, warns RACQ safety technical officer and motorcycle rider Steve Spalding.

His comments come as this British video seems to show that a group of six thieves knew exactly what they were about to steal from this locked garage, possibly from a social media post.

The thieves hacked down the garage door to extract the expensive BMW S 1000 RR sport bike before getting on their bikes and riding away.

Fortunately, West Midlands Police say two men were arrested in connection with the crime, but one was released on bail as the investigation continues.

Posting warning

It is believed well-organised theft gangs may be scanning Facebook and other social media to find the bike they are looking for, then tracing the whereabouts of the owner through their profile details.

Steve has issued a warning to riders posting personal details and images of their pride and joy.

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

“Although it’s good to share pics and details of your bike and rides with like-minded people on Facebook groups, be aware of what information you post in the public space,” he warns.

“There are unfortunately people who can use this information to track down a bike and steal it.

“This could be a particular risk for unique or collectible bikes where they are stolen to order.”

Theft boom

Australian motor vehicle theft rose 7% in the 12 months to September 2019, largely the result of a 12% boom in motorcycle thefts, the highest of all vehicle groups.

However, the biggest was in profit-motivate motorcycle theft which rose 14.4%, according to the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council.

Despite accounting for just 5% of registrations, motorcycle thefts now represent one in six stolen vehicles.

The sobering statistics also show that almost two in three motorcycles are stolen from the home, one in six motorcycle theft victims have previously been a victim of theft and more than half of all stolen bikes are never recovered.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Number plate theft and cloning on the rise

Number plate theft and cloning of plates is on the rise, resulting in riders receiving speeding and parking fines and unpaid toll notices.

The National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council says number plate theft can also be used to commit crimes such as petrol theft, robberies, house break-ins and drug trafficking.

Police are also reporting an increased detection of cloned plates with offenders using vehicle sales websites to find a vehicle matching their bike or a stolen vehicle.

Offenders are even cloning the number plates on laminated paper.

Cloning plate scam not new

Police and transport departments in several states say the cloning plate scam is not new, but are unable to supply statistics for speeding fines waived or offenders who can be charged with both criminal and traffic offences.Fixed speed camera Victoria - fines suspended virus plate scam

Police say motorists wrongly fined would need to provide photographic evidence to prove the vehicle in the speeding offence photo was not theirs.

It is recommended that private sellers blur their number plates when they advertise their vehicle online.

In Victoria, Victoria Police, VicRoads, Department of Justice and Regulation, Fines Victoria, the Crime Statistics Agency and the NMVTRC are investigating the misuse and theft of number plates.

The NMVTRC says about a third of all stolen plates are taken from vehicles parked on the street and 10% were from vehicles parked in a car park.

About 85% are stolen from metropolitan areas.

Unpaid tolls

The scammers have also been using tollways with the video recognition fee going to the registered owners of the plate.

Last year we reported on Kingaroy rider Paulette Devlin who copped a $10.78 fee for an unpaid $2.28 motorway toll when her Kawasaki Ninja 250 was parked in her garage more than 200km away.

plate scam
Tollway photo of Paulette’s plate on another bike

She bought the Ninja in July 2017 through Gumtree.

We contacted Queensland tollway company Linkt who confirmed they had waived Paulette’s toll.

Linkt is owned by Transurban which also owns CityLink in Melbourne and six tollways in Sydney.

(Click here to find why tunnels are the top traps for speeding fines.)

In fact, they also waived a second unpaid toll after they found the same number plate had been used on a different bike.

plate scam
Second tollway photo (they take two photos, one from in front and one behind)

They confirmed that “some people who complain regarding this are being investigated”.

Linkt would not reveal how many are being investigated.

Motorcycle riders are particularly vulnerable to this plate scam where tollways use video pate recognition for motorcycles instead of a transponder.

Riders should check their next toll statement to ensure that all toll fees are legitimate.

If you find an incorrect charge, email the Transurban customer resolution team at: [email protected]

Do not simply fail to pay the fee as the charges will rise even more.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Good Reasons to Own a Mounted Motorcycle Camera

(Sponsored post on mounted motorcycle cameras for our North American readers)

Having a motorcycle is a great experience for many people. Around 13 million Americans are proud owners of motorcycles. However, these vehicles are known to have a high accident and injury risk, which is a concerning factor for many owners.

With the help of today’s technology, there are hundreds of useful gadgets motorcycles can get for security and roadside safety reasons. One of the most popular items is a motorcycle mounted camera.

Have you started noticing the growing number of motorcyclists riding around with GoPros on their helmet? There reason being is motorcyclists can use mounted helmet or dash cams to record all footage they need in case an accident happens. Recorded footage could be good evidence.

Here is a short list of other reasons why an on-board motorcycle camera is a useful tool to have.

Determining Fault of an Accident

Many traffic law experts could agree that a mounted camera is useful for riders involved in a collision or serious accident caused by another motorist. According to a Tampa motorcycle accident lawyer, part of the preparation for a valid accident claim would be to provide evidence of the scene. Helmet cam footage can be used provide vital evidence if you we’re involved in an accident and wanted to take it to court.

Most common motorcycle accidents involve distracted drivers, vehicles turning left or intoxicated drivers. If you needed to prove fault, it would be very wise to document as much as you can in case you do end up in a crash, wipe-out or if you witness of an accident. Recorded footage can protect motorcyclists from false accident accusations too.

Road-Rage Defense

There are thousands of videos up on YouTube that capture a motorcyclist in a strife with an angry and hysterical driver. If you unfortunately end up in a situation with a “road-rager,” a helmet camera can get them to step-off. Typically, when a person realizes they are being filmed, it will prevent them from doing something irrational. But in the worst case, if you were assaulted by an aggressive driver, you would catch the whole scene on camera. Like with accidents, this footage can be used as evidence if someone hurt you or damaged your motorbike.

Insurance Claims

For minor accidents that only result in property damage, a camera can come in handy with an insurance claim. Most motorcycle camera setups allow multiple angles, including POV and the dashboard view. This way when you are working it out with your insurance company, you have footage of every angle.

Vandalism & Theft

Motorcycles parked out in the open are more prone to vandalism, exterior damage (dings, scratches, dents etc.) and theft. You could strategically place a mounted camera to help catch a vandal or a thief. Another step to prevent theft is to supplement your on-board security camera with an anti-theft device like alarms and disc locks.

Is a Motorcycle Cam Only for Accidents & Damage?

Honestly, a mounted camera is a very useful piece of equipment to have for issues involving crashes, damages, theft and collecting evidence to use in court.

On the lighter side of things, a mounted camera can be used for photography and videography reasons too. If you are the creative type, a safe and hands-free way to take snapshots or videos, is to use a helmet camera such as a GoPro, if you want capture some scenery or document your adventures on the road for a montage you want to share with your buddies online.

Bottom line, all motorcyclists should consider getting a camera for informational and safety reasons, especially when the chances of an accident are high.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com