Motorbike Security - London

[1down5up]

I originally posted this in a less targeted forum but was advised to repost it in a more so suitable place.

I imagine there are several forums and discussions about security however I thought I would share my knowledge.

After reviewing some of the forums I wanted to give some advice on motorbike security.

Motorbike thefts/attempted thefts is at an all time high in London and it seems to be getting worse. Even now in winter, a riders pride and joy is being taken at every opportunity.

I've noticed from the amount of bikes that have been stolen in the group I ride with that thieves are more so attracted to sports bikes, mainly Ducati/Yamaha/Suzuki but also target larger mopeds.
Location and security will not deter them and there is usually 4 of them at any given time. From following various Instagram feeds and YouTube videos they usually scan areas whilst riding either YAMAHA TMAX 500 or VESPA GTS 300 with false plates or in some cases no plate at all.
The reason for this is because they are able to look more legit whilst riding them and they are able to store larger tools under the seat.
Thieves no longer carry bolt cutters, they now act with hammers and battery powered angle grinders, most disk locks can be smashed of with hammer and anything can be grinded so it makes life a lot easier for them.
You would think the noise an angle grinder makes would deter them but this isn't the case.
They ride with two people per moped and only one will actually try and remove any element of security so the other 3 can be 'look outs/protection' in case any passer by tries to stop them.

Thieves are less scared as they are under the impression that police cannot chase them whilst they are on a bike. This is supposedly half true as I have been informed the police fear they could knock a thief of a bike, potentially harm them and face consequences.
I believe the police are now receiving training on motorbike/moped chases and think I read somewhere that it has been implemented already but only officers that have had such training are able to chase suspected thieves.

For the best security I have read through a lot of forums for advice on what is suggested and listed them below:

Visible deterrents are very important:

You will need an extremely strong stainless-steel disk lock. Two of the best on sale that I have found are:
https://www.xenasecurity.com/xx15-disc-lock-alarm/
https://www.motoden.com/security/abus-granit-detec...

An extremely thick chain, the thicker the chain the longer it will take for a grinder to get through:
http://www.almax-security-chains.co.uk/Coming-Soon...
http://securityforbikes.com/proddetail.php?prod=P2...

An extremely strong lock for your chain:
http://securityforbikes.com/proddetail.php?prod=SS...

Vocal deterrents are just as important so a loud alarm is essential:
https://www.datatool.co.uk/motorcycle-datatool-s4-...

You should always chain your bike up to some form of anchor, whether it be a ground anchor/lampost/chain rack.
There are still thieves that will simply pick your bike up and stick it in the back of a van so ensure your bike is locked to something.
It only takes two men and can take a few second to pick up a bike.

For additional security you may wish to use a front brake lock such as:
https://www.datatool.co.uk/motorcycle-brake-thrott...

I would also suggest fitting a tracker.
It will be the only hope you have in actually getting your bike back however most thieves now check for basic things such as a tracker as its so easy to remove a rear seat and that's usually where they are positioned.
I would still recommend having one but position it in a discreet place:
https://biketrac.co.uk/
https://trakking.net/

I understand all these items can be extremely expensive however if you really want to avoid your pride and joy being stolen it is essential.
Many people I know have used cheap locks and chains which thieves have cut through in less than 20 seconds.

I hope the above is helpful but if you have any questions or additional advice please comment.

Thanks.

[1down5up]

steeviegeebies said:

How safe are NCP car parks and suchlike?

I've used NCP a few times in Leciester Square and never had any problems however I have been told about bikes being stolen from there. If you are to use somewhere like NCP I would still advise chaining your bike to something if possible.