Dont' be a Loser - say BMF

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Eamonn Townsend

Dont' be a Loser - say BMF

Post by Eamonn Townsend »

The replacement of stolen bikes is costing the British biker nearly three million pounds every week say the BMF in it's new 'Don't Be A Loser' anti-theft initiative - and the problem is getting worse.

In launching its 'Don't Be A Loser' initiative at Europe's biggest outdoor bike show, the BMF Show at Peterborough, the BMF said that between August 1999 and August 2000, official figures show that 25% more machines were stolen than in 1998. In fact, a motorcycle or scooter is now stolen every 16 minutes. That's 34,000 machines stolen every year, 60% of which are scooters.

The BMF say that while the motor industry and the world of motor insurance have made massive strides in improving car security and despite bike theft currently costing one hundred and forty-six million pounds per year in replacement costs alone, bike crime still doesn't make the same headlines.

Designed to address this and raise the awareness of the public, the authorities, and of riders themselves, the initiative takes the form of a 'Don't Be a Loser' leaflet and poster campaign to be distributed throughout the biker community and police forces next month.

Receiving enthusiastic support from the police, industry and insurance companies, UK Roads Minister Lord Whitty also lent his support saying: "The Government is particularly concerned about motorcycle theft and welcomes a targeted crime prevention initiative such as the BMF's."

The leaflet, giving the biker tips on deterring bike theft, points out that:

50% of riders do not lock their machines.80% of thefts are from the owners’ homes;Only 14% of stolen machines are recovered;A professional thief takes only 20 seconds to steal a bike

Offering discounts to BMF members on security items, the 'Don’t Be a Loser’ initiative goes on to advise bikers and scooter riders on taking a few simple precautions:

Buy an alarm, immobiliser and secondary locks and USE THEM.Park in good light where your machine can be seen and avoid using the same parking spot every dayLock your bike to something immovable such as a railing, lamp post or traffic sign. Keep chains and locks off the ground and as tight to the machine as possible.Take the same precautions to secure your bike at home. Use a secure garage if possible or try to cover it up if it is outside.Use a proprietary part marking system like Datatag, Alpha Dot or Smartwater to deter professional thieves and help trace your bike if it is stolen.Tell your insurers. The use of approved antitheft equipment may help to reduce your insurance premium.

As an extra incentive the BMF has negotiated special discounts on Datatag and Oxford Products security items for their members.

The BMF is also asking that if anyone has any information on motorcycle or scooter theft in the UK, they should call CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111. The call is free and the caller can remain anonymous and may even qualify for a cash reward.

In launching the `'Don't Be a Loser' initiative, BMF Chief Executive said: "Bike theft is a problem for us all and it won't go away without us all doing our bit. We are pleased with the level of support we already have but 'Don't Be A Loser' is not a solution on its own. We are depending on the support of riders or we'll all be losers in the end.

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