During 2022, more than 4,500 motorcycles were reported stolen each month, on average, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). Overall, motorcycle thefts increased 7% in 2022, making the third consecutive year that thefts were up in the U.S.
Around 40% of the motorcycles reported stolen in 2022 were recovered, the NICB reported.
California saw the most motorcycle thefts during the year and accounted for 30% of all motorcycle thefts in the U.S., according to the NICB. In total, 9,838 motorcycles were stolen in California this past year. Florida and Texas saw the second and third most thefts, with 4,563 and 4,145, respectively, in 2022.
California saw the most thefts during the year and accounted for 30% of all motorcycle thefts in the U.S., according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Credit: NICB“While we witness the rise in vehicle thefts year after year, we are encouraging all owners, and especially motorcycle riders to take great care in protecting their property,” David J. Glawe, president and CEO of NICB, said in a release. “Even though you can’t completely control when criminals target you or your vehicle, you can help deter would-be thieves by taking proactive, easy, and effective steps to prevent these thefts.”
To deter would-be motorcycle thieves, the NICB recommends:
The NICB recommends the following tips to protect your motorcycle from bad actors:
- Be cautious when parting with your motorcycle. Park in well-lit areas, lock the ignition and remove the keys.
- Lock your bike even when stored in a garage. Investing in an alarm system can significantly deter potential thieves.
- Keep the title secure.
- By placing unique markings on your motorcycle and documenting them, if the bike is ever stolen, you can use these markings to identify it.
- Always keep an eye on your vehicle while leaving it idle.
If you or a policyholder has a motorcycle stolen, call the police immediately as this will improve the chances that the bike will be recovered. The NICB reported that 35% of recovered stolen vehicles are found on the same day as the theft, while 45% are recovered within two days.
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