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Home > ADVICE AND TIPS (FAQS) > Motorcycle Security Guide – Best Way to Prevent Motorbike Theft in 2024
Motorcycle theft is a crime on the rise, especially the theft of scooters & mopeds due to to the fact they can be stolen in seconds. Motorcycles are commonly stolen by thieves and broken down into parts, this is why fitting security devices can help stop thieves from stealing your motorbike.
Find out the best ways to keep your motorcycle safe at home, business or if you are on the move, these methods will also stop a motor scooter or moped being stolen.
This guide is put together by ourselves the UK’s largest locksmith association + Sold Secure, who’s expert knowledge has been used to write this guide.
If you are the owner of a Motorcycle, Motor Scooter or Moped we cover the following topics all in this guide:
On this page we will give advice & help on:
Ground Anchor | Security Chain | Garage Defender | Disc Locks | | Alarms/Trackers | Sold Secure Approval | Additional Security
First up are security devices, these are the most secure way to stop a bike being stolen, although they must be used correctly.
A motorbike with a chain and lock | Image by ABUS
We will cover the DO’s and DO NOT’s of how to use motorcycle security devices.
Along with our opinion on the Ultimate Motorcycle Security Combination.
The first product we recommend using and one of the most secure anti-theft prevention methods is:
Most motorcycles are stolen by thieves from the home, so using a ground anchor can stop your motorbike being stolen by acting as an immovable object.
A ground anchor is fixed to the floor or wall, it allows you to fit a chain & lock from it to your motorbike.
A ground anchor can prevent theft of your motorbike | Image by ABUS
Chain and Padlock required: If using a ground anchor you will need a chain and lock to attach from the anchor to your bike.
They can be used at home or your business and can be used either indoors or outdoors.
Fix to Walls and Concrete – They can be fitted to concrete floors, brick walls & even vans, which is why they are also used by Bicycle, ATV and Quad bike owners.
There are two types, these are bolt-down and concrete in.
A Ground Anchor fitted to the wall | Image by Oxford
Fitting the anchor to the ground or wall can be done by yourself.
We would always recommend ground anchors are installed by an expert, such as an MLA Approved Locksmith.
Find a locksmith to fit a ground anchor
A ground anchor that has been approved to Sold Secure Motorcycle Diamond is the best and most secure ground anchor to keep your motorbike secure.
Ground Anchors tested to Motorcycle Diamond are subject to leverage & angle grinder attacks among other attack methods.
Sold Secure Approved Ground Anchors
A motorbike with chain & padlock combination secured to an immovable object | Image by Squire
Using a motorbike chain and lock is another good way to lock your motorcycle. as it stops thieves from picking up your bike if attached to an immovable object.
Chains and padlocks are commonly fitted around the bike’s frame or around the wheel to prevent your motorbike being stolen.
A high quality (independently approved) chain and padlock should be used.
Ground anchor fixed to the floor with a chain | Image by Oxford
The combination of a chain & padlock can also be used alongside a ground anchor.
If you are keeping your motorbike at home the use of garage security can be added as another deterrent to thieves.
The best and most secure motorcycle security chain is one that is approved to Sold Secure Motorcycle Diamond, this test standard includes an angle grinder attack.
Sold Secure Approved Security Chains
The best motorbike d-lock to secure your motorcycle is a d-lock that is approved to Sold Secure Motorcycle Gold, this is tested against sawing, bolt cropping and other methods of attack.
Do you store motorbike in a garage overnight? garage door security is the best way to stop thieves from entering.
Can be fitted to most garage doors including up and over garage doors and roller shutters.
‘Secure a Door Lock’ on garage roller shutter door | Image by PJB Security
Garage Defender can stop Motorcycle theft | Image by PJB Security
The best and most secure type of garage door defender you can use is a product that is approved to Sold Secure domestic silver or bronze.
Sold Secure Approved Garage Door Security
There are other security devices you can use to protect your bike, we look at the best way to use these along with their advantages and disadvantages.
Another extra device to discourage thieves is using a disc lock, disk locks are portable devices that can be used in the brake disc of a motorbike or scooter.
Disc locks are portable so can be taken on the move and easily fitted to your motorbike wheel.
A disc lock is fitted to the brake disc | Image by Oxford
Advantage: A disc lock will discourage theft so thieves cannot move the bike in any direction. Some are even available as alarmed versions.
Disadvantage: Where possible try not to use as your ONLY way of defense.
The best motorbike disc lock to keep a motorcycle secure is one that is approved to Sold Secure Motorcycle Gold, this is tested against drilling, wedging and other methods of attack.
Sold Secure Approved Disc Locks
Our advice on motorbike alarms and tracking devices is to be aware that they, on their own, will not physically stop your bike being stolen by criminals.
A Thatcham Approved motorcycle disc lock alarm
Always use them in conjunction with other physical security such as chains and locks. Any fitted alarms and/or tracking devices should be accredited by Thatcham.
We recommend getting an alarm installed by a professional, as installing yourself incorrectly could invalidate the warranty of the bike.
Advantage: Can act as a deterrent to thieves, and can reduce insurance premiums
Disadvantage: Does not stop your motorbike being picked up and stolen like a chain and lock.
In conclusion, the ultimate way to stop your motorcycle being stolen would be using a combination of the following three devices:
Of course, we would recommend that any of the above are approved by a 3rd party.
We would always recommend that any security devices have been tested and approved by a 3rd party such as Sold Secure.
Ground Anchor has met Motorcycle Gold approval | Image by Oxford
Tested against Thieves Tools – Motorcycle and Scooter products that receive a Sold Secure rating and depending on grade, are tested against tools used by thieves such as bolt croppers, drills & angle grinders.
To find a Sold Secure rated product visit the website below to find motorcycle and motor scooter rated security devices.
View Sold Secure Approved Products
Police crime reduction officers usually recommend the use of Sold Secure approved products, with Sold Secure exhibiting at Secured by Design training events every year, ensuring that crime reduction officers receive the latest catalogue.
Adding theft prevention can help reduce your motorbike insurance premiums, although you would need to check with your insurance provider.
Ensuring your product has 3rd party approval such as Sold Secure is again the best way to go, as this is something insurers look out for.
As well a using any of the above security devices, there are additional steps you can take:
Mark your motorcycle with your VIN ( vehicle identification ) and then register for free on the Immobilise website, which is a Police approved database.
Register parts of your bike on Immobilise
Marking parts of your motorbike also makes it hard to sell if stolen.
Whenever parking your motorcycle look out for the ‘Park Mark’ logo.
Park your bike in a Park Mark accredited car park
To find your nearest ParkMark scheme visit: http://www.parkmark.co.uk/car-park-finder
Our conclusion on how to best stop your motorcycle being stolen is to always use a security device that has 3rd party approval such as Sold Secure.
Also, consider contacting a local MLA locksmith as many have knowledge in this area, especially those who are auto locksmiths as some will specialise in motorcycle security.
For more advice on preventing motorcycle theft or to find a Sold Secure approved security product visit the links below.
Find a Sold Secure approved Product Contact a MLA Locksmith for advice
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