Bike Theft: How to Secure Your Bike from Theft

Many of us in South Africa are familiar with that sinking feeling when we come home only to find that our television has vanished; for some, it’s cars, and for others, it’s their beloved motorbike. For companies that rely on motorcycles for their business or the everyday motorcycle drivers, it can be devastating, leading to a loss of capital, vital means of transport and utter heartbreak.

Below, we will explore ways to prevent this, followed by Cartrack’s many effective solutions. 

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Bike Theft: A growing problem and how to protect your ride

Bike theft is an essential issue in South Africa, and troubling data shared by Top Auto makes this clear, reporting that between April and June 2024, 8611 cars and motorbikes were stolen across all provinces. It is plain to see that proactive measures are needed to protect your motorcycle. Here are some practical tips to deter thieves and keep your bike safe.

These scenarios can be daunting, but we’ve got you covered. Let’s delve into the importance of motorcycle security and discover how to safeguard your bike, especially in SA.

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1. Invest in High-Quality Security Devices

• Disk Locks: These are a popular choice for added security. Ensure you use a strong, hardened disk lock and lock it to a solid object.
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• Chain Locks: A robust chain and lock can significantly deter thieves. Opt for a hardened steel chain and a reliable one.

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2. Secure Parking

• Garage Parking: Whenever possible, park your bike in a secure garage.
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• Secure Parking Lots: If garage parking isn’t an option, choose well-lit, monitored parking lots.
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• Avoid Isolated Areas: Refrain from parking your bike in secluded areas, as they are more attractive to thieves.

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3. Smart Parking Habits

• Lock it Up: Always lock your bike, even for short periods.
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• Remove Valuables: Remove any valuable accessories or items from your bike when parked.
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• Use a Bike Cover: A bike cover can deter thieves and protect your bike from the elements.

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Following these tips and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risk of bike theft and protect your valuable investment. Remember, a few extra precautions can make a big difference. However, even these tips are not a guarantee of prevention, especially for business owners.

For businesses that rely on motorcycles for delivery or transportation, theft can have severe consequences. Not only does it result in financial loss, but it can also disrupt operations and damage customer relationships.

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How motorcycle theft impacts business drivers and everyday riders

• The delivery industry
  The delivery industry heavily relies on motorcycles, whether owned by individual drivers or provided by companies like Uber Eats, Checkers Sixty60, and SoFresh. These services, often in the food and grocery sectors, depend on swift and efficient deliveries.
  Many delivery drivers are independent contractors, making their motorcycles essential tools for their livelihood. The theft of a motorcycle can have severe consequences: job loss, reduced income, and increased operational costs for businesses. Even if the bike is company-owned, theft can lead to delivery delays, customer dissatisfaction, and potential business disruptions.
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• Everyday South African motorbike drivers‍
  • Reduced Mobility: Motorcycle theft can limit mobility options, forcing individuals to rely on public transportation or car ownership, which can be less convenient and more expensive.
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  • Emotional Distress: The loss of a motorcycle can be emotionally distressing, especially for those who have a strong personal connection to their bike.
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  • Increased Costs: Replacing a stolen motorcycle can be costly, so strong security measures are essential.
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  • Fear and Insecurity: The threat of theft can make riding a motorcycle less enjoyable and create a sense of fear and insecurity.

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These groups’ experiences are unique, but they have one thing in common: motorcycles are a significant part of their livelihoods.

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One of the best ways to secure your bike

Reporting on up-to-date statistics via the “Powerful Mobile Tracker: Fleet or Personal? Choose the Best” article, Cartrack stated that motorcycles are taken in 13-minute intervals in South Africa.

However, there are many ways you can avoid becoming a statistic.

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Use GPS tracking to keep tabs on your fleet

It is worth noting that GPS tracking is one of the best ways to protect vehicles, trucks and bikes from theft.

• It can easily retrieve your motorbike: GPS tracking can locate your motorcycle fleet, making it easier to recover any stolen motorbike. At Cartrack, we have an externally audited stolen recovery rate of approximately over 90%.
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• It may help you get lower insurance premiums:  Motorbikes aren’t exactly seen as the safest way to get around— because of this admittedly dangerous mode of transport, insurance companies are not overly friendly to our fellow bikers. That said, no matter whether you are a vehicle owner, a truck driver or a motor biker, the more you can prove you are taking precautions against any threat, the more likely your insurance premiums may fall. 
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• Portability: Motorcycles are smaller and more portable than cars, making them easier to steal and transport. Some GPS tracking devices can help pinpoint the location of a stolen motorcycle, even if it’s been moved to a different location.

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Peace of mind, guaranteed: Choose Cartrack’s tracking solutions

As you can see from the numerous benefits listed above, GPS tracking devices are powerful instruments for securing your motorbike. This is why Cartrack’s live GPS Solutions include real-time tracking in certain package options for motorbikes.

There’s so much more to live tracking and our GPS solutions, but you must keep scrolling to learn about all the benefits. If you simply can’t wait, jump to this page and discover everything Cartrack offers under our efficient GPS umbrella.
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Using Cartrack’s GPS device, you can access some or all of the following features depending on which one of the variety of our packages you choose. Some of these offers include:

• Mobile App: Cartrack’s Mobile App allows you to access the upcoming features and others included in the various packages—all in your back pocket.
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• BikeWatch: If you activate BikeWatch, it will notify you via the Mobile Application if someone has moved your bike without permission.
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• Stolen Vehicle Recovery: If your motorcycle is stolen, one of our recovery teams in the area, alongside local police, will already be ready and waiting to retrieve your stolen motorbike.

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The ultimate bike security solution with Cartrack Swaziland

Empower yourself with Cartrack’s GPS live-tracking solutions and prevent criminals from riding off into the sunset with your beloved fleet of motorbikes. Discover all these solutions further down. Most of them apply to delivery managers and can also protect those making the deliveries.

• Real-time tracking: As already outlined, some Cartrack package options provide real-time tracking, where you can keep track of your motorbike or motorbikes’ location every second of every day. As a courier manager, you can track every motorcycle in real time using our platform.
  Keeping in contact with them in real-time will help motorbike fleet managers detect if something is happening at that moment. A faster reaction means they are more likely to prevent the theft or recover the motorbike. It will also help individuals determine if their motorbikes may have been taken without their permission or knowledge.
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• Geofencing is perfect for courier managers:Geofences allow you to track whether someone has left a specific area using virtual boundaries around it. Individuals who want to ensure their fleet or delivery service motorbikes stay in the demarcated area can set Geofences.
  If the bikes leave, you will be notified via SMS or email—this can indicate that they may have been stolen.
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• Visibility: Cartrack’s live GPS tracking solutions allow you to see how many and which bikes have been visible via GPS for the last seven days. If a motorbike has not been visible within that period of time, there may be cause for concern.
  This solution, which is a part of real-time tracking, is beneficial for dispatch leaders because keeping track of every motorbike is important, depending on how many there are, it may also be a challenging task. Therefore, having vehicles grouped into those that have been visible and not visible makes keeping an eye out for theft that much easier.

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Thief-proof your motorbike with Cartrack Swaziland; Get in touch and learn more about our solutions.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How can delivery services inform their riders about motorcycle theft risks?

A: Informing riders about motorcycle theft risks is vital for their safety and your ability as a delivery service to maintain a good reputation with your customers and potential drivers, keep your current ones and ensure timely and efficient service delivery.

It is best to inform them of how they can secure their bikes, such as the list above. In addition, keep them updated on crime statistics and hotspots and how to stay safe.

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Q: What colour bike is least likely to be stolen?

A: While not guaranteed, the consensus is that bright colours are more likely to deter thieves, as they are by being bright colours more visible, especially at night. Their eye-catching colours make them more noticeable and identifiable in public. Celeste green, yellow and bright orange are the most recommended shades.

Of course, this is not a foolproof deterrence, so it’s best to take every precaution, including Cartrack’s GPS device and live tracking solutions.

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Q: Which bike is most likely to be stolen? 

A:  While there are no definitive facts about which bikes get stolen in South Africa, the generally claimed primary target in numerous countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia, are Honda’s.

Ultimately, however, an unsecured bike is the bike most likely to be stolen, and an untracked bike is an unsecured bike. Contact Cartrack Swaziland now to secure your bike and gain peace of mind.