In France, a two-wheeler is stolen every ten minutes. In the vast majority of cases, thefts take place in urban areas, usually on motorcycles parked at night on public roads. Here are some tips to guard against these incidents.
The different operating modes
Theft by kidnapping
The coveted vehicles are the two-wheelers parked in the street.
This opportunistic theft is the most widespread. To deter thieves, first of all, never leave your motorcycle or scooter unattended, with the steering locked (Neiman) and without forgetting the keys on the ignition !
If possible, choose a lighted space, in full view. Finally, if you have an anti-theft or U type chain, always remember hang it on a floor fixing or a grid, a pole, etc. This neglect can cost you dearly.
Indeed, many thefts are carried out by boarding the motorcycle in a van disguised as a recovery vehicle, without anyone noticing..
Home theft or home jacking
Fortunately, this technique is not widely used, as it requires locating places and breaking into a private home, often at night. This offense is more serious than a simple theft since it combines the violation of home with burglary.
Bike jacking
Less common in France than in some European countries, this violent modus operandi consists of stealing the two-wheeler by taking by surprise the biker who is stopped most often at a red light.
Steps to follow in the event of theft
See the damage
Do not hesitate to take a picture of the scene with any evidence: a forced lock, broken glass (bubble) or fairing, etc. This can prove to the insurer that it is indeed a burglary and not an attempted fraud…
Submit a complaint
File a complaint at the police station closest to you within 24 hours. The receipt will be provided to the insurance company to prove the complaint has been filed. This will protect you if the thief, while riding your motorcycle, commits an accident..
Contact the Prefecture
Make opposition to the prefecture that issued the motorcycle registration card.
Inform your insurance company
Inform your insurer of the theft within 48 hours by registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt in which you describe the situation. Please note, if you have third party insurance, also known as civil liability, you will not be reimbursed.
To be compensated, you must have taken out the theft guarantee. Be careful to respect the security conditions specified in the contract such as locking the steering (Neiman), the anti-theft U-shaped installation approved NF, CE or SRA, the SRA approved engraving of the main elements and recording in the central file "ARGOS" engravings.
This marking consists of having the last seven characters of the serial number engraved on eleven points of your motorcycle. This may deter theft, as reselling the spare parts will be more difficult.
If your motorcycle is not found after a period of one month, the insurance will compensate you according to the argus rating. If your motorcycle is found, the insurance covers any repairs within the limits set by the contract.
How to protect yourself and avoid the theft of your two-wheeler
No motorcycle protective gear is infallible. But, it is recommended not to skimp on safety. Bet on a chain with a minimum diameter of 14 mm links and a U of a 16 mm diameter shackle.
For insurance questions, keep the invoices safe of your locks to prove their certification !
Attaching the two-wheeler to a fixed point should be a strict rule.
But sometimes that’s impossible. In this case, on the front wheel, the U or chain must take a wheel stick and two fork sleeves passing over the brake calipers; on the rear wheel, a wheel stick and swingarm. This attention will prevent a part from being disassembled, but your two-wheeler can still be loaded as is.
A block disc will represent an additional difficulty for thieves, but beware, this equipment is not sufficient on its own! Same thing, the motorcycle alarm rarely stops a thief.
It must come in addition to the lock. A remote alarm warning system will allow you to react quickly, provided you are close.
The Tracker NANO, installed on the vehicle, will allow you to geolocate it while with the‘Moto Guard app you will be able to launch an alert as soon as your motorcycle is stolen: the signal will be perceived by the biker community who will wake up to locate it.
Finally adopt the right behavior. For safety reasons, it is recommended for bikers to tie up their two-wheelers even when parked in a parking lot closed or private garage.
At home, never leave your keys on your motorcycle or leave them visible in the house. A light in the garage and the entrance will be a deterrent.
While driving, stay alert. When stopped, keep first gear engaged. But in case of snatching, it is recommended not to resist.
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