PROTECT YOUR TRIP! MOTORCYCLE THEFT ARE ON THE INCREASE FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR

Motorcycle thefts up 26%, says new NICB report

PLAINS, Ill., August 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — It might be a nice summer day for a ride, but motorcycle owners should be aware that there’s a higher risk of theft when out on the road. Motorcycles are increasingly being targeted for theft, according to the recently released National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) Theft by Vehicle Type 2021 report.

Despite a 3% drop from 2020 to 2021, motorcycle theft is still up 26% from 2019. Of the nearly one million total vehicles stolen last year, 51,291 of them were motorcycles. August was the hottest month with nearly 6,000 cycles swept.

“We have seen an increase in thefts of all types of motor vehicles throughout 2021, and motorcycle thefts are no exception, particularly during the summer months,” said David Glawe, President and CEO of NICB. “The economy, supply chain issues and the value of precious metals and vehicle parts certainly played a large role in the spike in crime over the year. Motorcycles are expensive and more difficult to secure than other vehicles, making them prime targets for thieves. We continue to urge all riders to take steps to protect their property.”

The top 10 most stolen motorcycle manufacturers in 2021 accounted for 78% of all motorcycles stolen in 2021. Leading the pack were Honda (10,282), Yamaha (8,185), Kawasaki (5,904), Harley-Davidson (5,811) and Suzuki (4,890). Of these nearly 52,000 stolen motorcycles, less than half have been recovered, with the NICB study indicating that only 42% have been recovered.

California once again leads the country with 9,345 stolen trips. Not too far behind Texas (4,263), Florida (3,698), New York (2,662) and washington state (1947).

As thousands of bikers flock to Sturgis and countless other motorcycle owners enjoy the final summer months outdoors, the NICB recommends the following tips to reduce the risk of motorcycle theft:

• Use common sense; park in well-lit places, lock your ignition and remove your keys.
• Lock your bike even when it’s stored in a garage. Consider investing in an alarm system.
• Do not store your title in the storage compartment of your motorcycle.
• Place unique markings on your motorcycle and take pictures of them. If your bike is ever stolen, you can use these markings to identify your ownership.
• Don’t leave leaving it idle as that will make it a prime target for thieves.

If your vehicle is stolen, immediately call law enforcement and your insurer. NICB data shows that reporting a vehicle as soon as possible after it has been stolen increases the chances of recovery.

REPORT FRAUD: Anyone with information regarding insurance fraud or vehicle theft can report it anonymously by calling the toll-free number 800.TEL.NICB (800.835.6422) or submitting a form on our website.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL CRIME INSURANCE BUREAU: Based at Plains, Illinois., the NICB is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization exclusively dedicated to combating and preventing insurance crime through intelligence, analysis and operations; education and crime prevention; and Strategy, Policy and Advocacy. The NICB is supported by more than 1,200 property and casualty insurance companies and self-insured organizations. NICB member companies wrote $582 billion insurance premiums in 2021, representing more than 82% of the country’s P&C insurance. This comprises over 96% of the nation’s personal auto insurance. To learn more, visit www.nicb.org.

SOURCE National Crime Insurance Bureau