The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) is reminding motorcyclists to ‘lock up after lockdown’. Motorcycle thefts were significantly reduced in 2020 due to the pandemic but, with an easing of lockdown restrictions, more motorcycles could become easy targets for thieves once again.
MAG actively campaigns for more action to be taken to combat motorcycle theft. Early figures suggest that the scale of the motorcycle theft problem reduced by as much as 60% in 2020. This good news is, however, tempered by the circumstances of the last twelve months. Less motorcycles on the road will have resulted in less opportunity for thieves.
MAG’s Director of Campaigns & Political Engagement, Colin Brown, commented:
“We would all like to think that the 2021 theft figures will remain low, but that is probably an unrealistic expectation. Many riders will have used their motorcycles far less during 2020, but with the end of restrictions in sight that situation is bound to change. We have also seen indicators of increasing motorcycle use between the various lockdowns. MAG will continue to campaign for more secure parking facilities, and increased focus from police forces, but of course we need to be sure that owners also take security of their bikes seriously. We should not become complacent, and new riders will need to be educated about the most effective security choices. The simple message is, therefore, to lock up your bike when parking in public spaces.”
MAG will be pushing its “Lock it or Lose it” leaflets and amplifying all other similar motorcycle security messaging. The work to campaign for better quality, secure motorcycle parking bays has been taken to Ministerial level as part of the top five priorities for motorcyclists discussed with Roads Minister, Baroness Vere of Norbiton. In addition, the MAG Foundation charity promotes Lock To Lock, a simple concept suggesting a daisy chain approach where secure rails aren’t provided.
We continue to work with the Motorcycle Crime Reduction Group and directly with a number of police forces. All MAG members’ bikes are also covered by the MAG Protect reward scheme for information leading to the conviction of bike thieves. We will be publishing the 2020 Police Force Bike Theft Rankings as soon as all data has been received. The 2019 report can be found here.