Quad Bike Theft Statistics 2012

New statistics released have shown that in 2012 Tractor thefts has fallen by a massive 47% compared to the previous year, unfortunately figures from the Metropolitan police force’s Plant and Agricultural National Intelligence unit showed that quad bike theft has increased by 25%. It seems thieves have stopped targeting the large machinery and are focussing on quad bikes, as they are easy to drive away.

Keep your quad bike safe from theft

Keep your quad bike safe from theft

This has affected areas such as the West Country, where rural crime including quad bike theft reached £7.6 million. The North – West of England has also seen high rates of quad bike theft, as has Gloucestershire where an average of 4 quad bikes, are stolen every month.

Greater care needs to be taken to combat the threat of quad bike theft in rural areas.  The main way to protect your quad bike is by making sure it is locked away securely, where no one can see it and in a place that would be difficult to gain access to it.

Quad bike security

  • Ground anchors, padlocks and chains, can all help to prevent Quad Bike theft.
  • Make sure the boundaries to your property are secure and always lock gates and check that they are secured properly.
  • Lock your quad bike out of sight in a secure garage.
  • Fit your quad bike with a tracker.
Secure quad bike storage

Secure quad bike storage

For secure quad bike storage, Asgard Secure Steel Storage offers quad bike security with its all metal quad bike garage. This garage is made from strong weatherproof steel and has been approved by the Loss Prevention Certification Board to Level 1. This metal garage offers secure storage and security of the highest quality for your quad bike. Advanced security features, including reinforced doors, hinges and panels, a pick resistant locking mechanism and tough 5 point locking system, help to keep your quad bike safe. Find out more about Asgard Quad Bike Storage on the Asgard website.

Quad Bike Maintenance

If you own a quad bike, you will already know how quickly dirt and mud can build up on it. Keeping your quad bike clean is a necessary part of its maintenance.  Here are a few tips for maintaining your Quad bike.

Cleaning

  • If using a pressure washer, plug the exhaust to stop water from getting in.
  • It is best to clean your quad bike with a low pressure hose and sponge.
  • Use a toothbrush to clean small parts.

Keep your quad bike well maintained

Lubricating

  • After cleaning your quad bike make sure you lubricate the chain, covering the chain completely.
  • Lubricate swing arm bolts, as these have a tendency to lock up if not properly lubricated.

Inspecting

  • Inspect headlights to make sure no moisture has built up.
  • After cleaning your quad bike, make it a habit to inspect all the fasteners and levers.
  • Check exhaust mounts for cracks, make sure bolts are tight as these are prone to loosening from engine vibration.

Maintenance 

  • Change the oil every 500miles.
  • Lubricate clutch and brake pads on a regular basis.
  • Replace hydraulic brake fluid and clutch fluid once a year.
  • Check the coolant level before every ride.

Secure quad bike storage

Storage

Now you’ve cleaned your quad bike and carried out the necessary checks, it’s time to lock your quad bike securely away. With quad bike thefts a continuing threat, don’t let your hard work maintaining your quad bike be for someone else’s interests.  A garage or shed is a good place to store your quad bike. If you have been keeping your quad bike outside, it is only a matter of time before it is gone. Secure storage is your best defence against theft. A secure quad bike garage is available from Asgard, offering the best protection for your quad bike. Equipped with a variety of features for quad bike security such as a pick resistant locking mechanism, a 5 point locking system and reinforced components, this quad bike garage is tough! Made from weatherproof steel and weighing 334kg, this quad bike storage unit is incredibly strong. Find out more on the Asgard website.

The British Lawnmower Association Annual Endurance Race 2011

Lawn mowers were pushed to the limit last night as the annual 12-hour endurance race across the West Sussex countryside got under way, organised by the British Lawnmower Association.

Lawn Mower Drivers took part in the 12-hour endurance race in West Sussex

Lawn Mower Drivers took part in the 12-hour endurance race in West Sussex

 More than 30 teams of three drivers battled through the night in a bid to follow in the footsteps of racing legends such as Sir Stirling Moss and be crowned this year’s champion.

All driving genuine lawn mowers, the team members took turns to race during the gruelling event. The race, which kicked off from Five Oaks, near Billingshurst at7pm, saw competitors reaching speeds of up to 50mph.

A spokesman for the British Lawn Mower Racing Association said the machines had been slightly and they ran without their cutting decks. The main objectives were and still are, no sponsorship, no commercialism, no cash prizes and no modifying of engines,’ he said. ‘The idea being, it would keep costs down and resulted in lawnmower racing being described by Motor Sport News as the cheapest form of motorsport in the UK.’
(Article Source: The Daily Mail Newspaper)  

Store your Lawn mower securely.

 Whether your lawnmower helps you speed to victory in lawnmower races, or simply help keep your lawn immaculate, you will want to keep your ride on mower kept safe and secure when not in use.  If you don’t have a garden shed or the space in your garage, then why not install a metal garden shed – like the Asgard Lawnmower Storage Unit

ride on Lawn mower storage shed

This outdoor storage unit is ideal for storing your lawnmower and other bulky gardening tools and equipment.

The Asgard Lawnmower storage unit provides maintenance-free long lasting protection against weather and theft for your lawn mower and garden equipment. For more information on the Asgard range of steel lawnmower storage sheds, visit the Asgard website.

Motorcycle Theft Statistics

Motorbikes are becoming an increasingly popular method of transport in the UK, with new bike prices ranging from £1,000 to £20,000 dependent on the make of the bike. Surprisingly though, most bikes irrespective of price are not fitted with additional security measures as standard.

What ever motorbike you own and who ever you are.  Lock it up!

What ever motorbike you own and who ever you are. Lock it up!

A recent survey by the National Crime Intelligence Service (NCIS) based on the latest police figures on vehicle crime and performance bikes (500cc and above) has revealed some shocking statistics. More motorbikes are stolen in the UK than are bought new, and it takes on average 20 seconds to steal a motorcycle worth £10,000. The survey is also the first to reveal some of the UK’s danger spots for motorcycle crime, and as such has been distributed to police forces around the country.

 ”£3 million worth of motorbikes from UK streets every month”.

The report has shown that the theft of motorbikes in the UK has allowed criminal groups to steal £3 million worth of motorbikes from UK streets every month. Thefts are primarily undertaken to sell parts on the black market, although joyriding is also cited as a main cause.

The report is part of Project Contrail, which targets the organised theft of high-powered motorcycles and is seen by many as a prelude to new bikes being registered as a legal requirement (similar to the car register requirement issued by the Home Office). Other results show the thefts are undertaken by a dozen well known, highly organised gangs.

“More motorbikes are stolen in the UK than are bought new”

Some of the key findings in the report include:

 More thefts occur in large urban areas.

The thefts are undertaken by a dozen well known, highly organised gangs.

80% of bikes stolen from an owner’s home.

Thefts are concentrated around Central London, probably linked to patterns of commuting.

The top five areas for theft include West Yorkshire, West Midlands and Greater Manchester.

The top four makes of motorcycle that account for over 85 per cent of thefts are Hondas, Yamahas, Kawasaki’s, and Suzuki’s.

The Honda CBR 600 is the hottest bike, which retails at £5000, with 350 of them stolen between July and September 2002.

Steven Powell, Head of the Project Team for NCIS’s Organised Vehicle Crime Section (OVCS), said:

“It is an appalling statistic that more motorcycles are stolen in the UK than were bought new. Urban centres are worst hit, and one favoured modus operandi is simple but effective. The criminals drive a large van up to a motorcycle where accomplices open the van door, thrust scaffolding poles through the wheels, and lift the bike into their vehicle. It takes as little as 20 seconds to steal a bike worth £10,000, and only 16 per cent of stolen bikes are recovered.”

How to reduce the chance of theft?

There are a number of ways to reduce the chance of theft, which include:

After sales fittings:

As annoying as it is most manufactures may not fit your bike with a Thatchem 2-3 way immobiliser it is worth investing in one, as this is the primary method of defence.

Buy additional security locks and remote alarms.

Try and park in Motorcycle designated areas where ground anchors are found. Although there are not a large number of these areas, they are more secure and growing in number.

If possible install a ground anchor at your home address and always keep the bike out of site.

Make sure you are suitably insured from a recognised motorbike insurer

Consider investing in a dedicated motorcycle garage.

* statistics and article provided by www. talk talk.co.uk

Clamping down on Quad Bike theft

Quad biking has been gaining popularity over the recent years with many experienced and younger drivers enjoying the thrill of the ride.  However, the rate of stolen ATVs has also increased across the UK and and once your Quad Bike is gone, it can be difficult, if not nearly impossible, to ever get it back.

Did you know? Less then 5% of stolen Off-road vehicles are ever recovered. (TER report)

Whether it’s urban or rural, more and more people are becoming victims of quad bike theft, with Quad bikes and ATV’s known as “hot property” by the UK police.  PC Mark Godsland, Divisional Crime Prevention Design Advisor from the Gloucestershire Constabulary  said; ‘Quad bikes can be a valuable commodity for thieves and it’s therefore very important that owners make sure that they are secured properly’.

The Asgard team have combined their experience from the secure garden storage unit range to respond to demand from the owners of Quad bikes and motorcycles to provide a convenient yet secure outdoor storage unit to store your bikes.  With this in mind, the team  have designed the  Asgard Quad Bike Storage Unit, an outdoor all-metal outdoor unit  giving you safe and secure storage of expensive ATVs, Quad bikes and off road motorcycles.

The Asgard Quad Bike Storage Unit

Store your precious ATV out of sight in the secure Quad Bike Storage Unit.

The Asgard Quad Bike Storage Unit is built from thick, heavy gauge galvanised (weather proof) steel panels with an integral ramp and convenient large double door access. With security as the main focus, this unit is fitted with a unique 5-point locking system, featuring reinforced hinges and doors for maximum security.  This UK designed and manufactured ATV storage shed is an exceptionally versatile storage unit suitable for both domestic and commercial storage of ATV, Quad bikes and off road vehicles.

Don’t let it happen to you

You may think that it could never happen to you, but stay on the safe side by ensuring you follow these basic safety precautions as recommended by Nationwide Insurance:

1. Keep your ATV in a locked garage on your property. If you must park outside, make sure the area is well-lit.  Thieves look for easy targets and lighting can be a deterrent.

2. Keep the key separate  from the ATV . This simple step prevents ride-away theft.

3. Consider aftermarket options such as a disc lock, which prevents wheels from moving without a key, or an alarm system.

4. Invest in a bike chain, particularly one that can stand up to bolt cutters. Chain your ATV to a U-bolt or another secure object, such as a Ground Anchor.

5. Keep the serial number and photos of your vehicle on file.  These items help police identify stolen property and assist you should you need to make an insurance claim.

And don’t forget – by using a secure storage unit for your vehicle, you may be able to qualify for a discounted insurance on your Quad bikes and ATV’s, check with your insurance company to find out more.

For more information about the Asgard ATV Storage unit, visit www.asgardsss.co.uk

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