10 Motorcycle Theft Statistics in Australia: 2024 Update

Motorcycle theft is a concerning issue for riders and enthusiasts in Australia. In fact, statistics show that the number of registered motorcycles being stolen has been increasing. This makes it more important than ever to remain vigilant and take precautions when storing your bike.

That being said, there are some things you can do to protect your motorcycle from theft. In this article, we will explore Australian motorcycle theft statistics and what can be done to prevent your bike from being stolen.

 The 10 Australia Motorcycle Theft Statistics

1. In the first six months of 2019, on-road motorcycle sales in Australia have dropped by 18%, while sales of scooters increased 19%.
2. New South Wales had the highest number of motorcycle thefts, with 2,200.
3. Newer motorcycles are way more susceptible to theft than in previous years.
4. Motorcycles with 150cc engines or less are the top targets for theft.
5. One in six victims who are victims of motorcycle theft were previously victims.
6. Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki were among the most-stolen motorcycles in Australia.
7. Only 5% of registered vehicles are stolen by motorcycle thieves.
8. Nearly two thirds of all stolen motorcycles come from the home.
9. There were 9,516 motorbike burglaries in Australia between September 2018 and the following year.
10. The current national recovery rate, according to the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council (NMVTRC) is roughly 52%.

Changes In Theft Occurrences

1. In the first six months of 2019, on-road motorcycle sales in Australia have dropped by 18%, while sales of scooters increased 19%.

(Car Safe)

Scooters are responsible for the highest number of motorcycle thefts. They are closely followed by scooters and on-road sport bikes.

2. New South Wales had the highest number of motorcycle thefts, with 2,200. This is actually an increase of 17% from the previous year.

(Car Safe)

New South Wales was responsible for 23% of all motorcycles stolen in Australia.

3. Newer motorcycles are more susceptible to theft than in previous years.

(Car Safe)

Also, almost three out of 10 bikes being stolen are between 5-10 years old.

Types of Bikes Stolen

4. Motorcycles with 150cc engines (which are smaller and lighter) or less are the top targets for theft.

(Australian Institute of Criminology)

This is closely followed by scooters and minibikes having engines between 251-500cc.

5. One in six victims of motorcycle theft were previously victims.

(Australian Institute of Criminology)

This means that new methods for deterrence should be explored for both new and previous owners of motorcycles.

6. Suzuki, Yamaha, and Kawasaki were among the most-stolen motorcycles in the country.

(mcnews.com)

This was responsible for 64% of all national motorcycle thefts.

State-wide Statistics

7. Only 5% of registered vehicles are stolen by motorcycle thieves.

(Car Safe)

Interestingly, they now account for 16% of all vehicles stolen in the country.

8. Nearly two-thirds of all stolen motorcycles come from homes.

(Car Safe)

This means that having a garage or carport for your motorcycle can be beneficial in preventing its theft.

9. There were 9,516 motorbike burglaries in Australia between September 2018 and the following year.

(QBE Insurance)

This represents more than 16% motor vehicle crime, even though Australia has less than 5% total registrations. These statistics will only increase due to the increased number of registered motorcycles.

10. The current national recovery rate according to the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council (NMVTRC) is 52%.

(Car Safe)

This means that even if your bike is stolen, it is possible to see it again.

Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Theft

Does insurance cover motorcycle theft?

Yes, you can get insurance on your motorcycle, just as if it were a car. Motorcycle insurance is typically less costly than car insurance, but it also depends on the brand, year, and model of your motorcycle, with luxury models (such as Harley-Davidson or Kawasaki) costing more to insure. Motorcycle insurance policies usually cover theft, provided you can prove that you reported it as stolen.

What’s the best way to prevent your motorcycle from being stolen?

The best way to keep your bike from being stolen is to park it in a safe garage or a secure area. Even if your bike is located on the street where pedestrians are constantly passing by it may still be at risk during night hours when traffic is minimal. And of course, it’s always best to have deterrent devices on your bike when it’s parked.

What to do if your motorcycle is stolen?

The first thing that you should do if your motorcycle is stolen is to call your local police department to file an official police report. Be sure to give them the details surrounding your motorcycle’s make and model and where it was located when it was stolen. The next thing that you should do is to call your insurance provider to give them the information about the theft, including the police report.

How long does the average motorcycle theft take?

Due to the mobility and lightweight of most motorcycles, they can be stolen in about 25 to 30 seconds by one or two people. Unlike cars, which require the ignition to be activated (at least, in most cases) to move, a thief can simply load a motorcycle on the back of a truck or unlock the wheels to roll it away to their destination. This is why it is important to have as much deterrence on your bike as possible, including locks, chains, and an alarm.

Tips to Prevent Your Motorcycle from Being Stolen

Motorcycles are expensive and having one stolen can be understandably frustrating. However, there are quite a few ways to keep your motorcycle safe and prevent thieves from stealing it. Let’s discuss some of the best ways to prevent theft.

Motorcycle Safety Modifications

A kill switch can be fitted to your motorcycle, which will help to prevent theft while you’re out on the town or at home. You can cut the main fuel line and then add a toggle. Your bike will start after the kill switch is activated. However, it will stop running after just a few seconds. The bike will not be damaged by the kill switch. Instead, it will shut down all electrical connections on your motorcycle to stop a thief from riding off with it.

Install a GPS and Alarm

You can also consider an alarm and a GPS to prevent theft. An alarm will alert you if someone attempts to steal your motorbike – it’ll usually sound when the bike is moved or shaken. The alarm sounds just like a car alarm. And for quieter deterrence, you can attach a GPS tracking device on your bike. If the bike is stolen, police can track it down within minutes.

Park Near Other Bikes

Don’t rely on motorcycle covers only. These covers do not prevent theft 100% of the time, as it’s obvious that it’s a motorcycle beneath the cover – though they are great for preventing your bike from getting wet during rain showers. It takes just a few seconds for motorcycle thieves to remove the covers. Consider parking your bike around other bikes and place it in view where it can be seen by home and building security cameras.

Use Locks & Chains

Fork locks are a great way to protect your motorcycle. They stop your bike from rolling away easily if a thief gets ahold of it. Before locking the lock, make sure to turn your wheels inward. The most important thing to lock is your bike’s ignition. Most motorcycle thefts occur when the ignition is not locked but turned on.

Combining visible and invisible devices creates a multi-layered security system that protects your bike. A chain is good for your wheel but not for overnight parking. Better options include a disk lock, a chain, and a bike tracker. It’s crucial to declare that theft of your bicycle is a problem. In case of theft, keep an invisible failsafe on hand.

Conclusion

Motorcycle theft is a big problem in Australia and can occur almost anywhere at any time. In order to reduce the chances of your bike being stolen, it’s best to take steps to protect it. The most important thing you can do is to keep your bike in a secure, locked location. This means that you need to lock it up somewhere where it is not easily accessible to thieves. You may also want to consider investing in a bike alarm, chain, lock, or other deterrent devices.

Featured Image Credit By: chalermphon_tiam, Shutterstock