Theft - Let's bring back mandated public hangings!!

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MIKE FELDER'S INSURANCE COLUMN
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MIKE FELDER'S INSURANCE COLUMN "We shoot horse thieves in these parts, Mister!" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Anytime I think about motorcycles thefts, I start to understand why the cowboys would hang horse thieves. The bond that exists between any rider and his "steed", be it four-legged or two-wheeled, is pretty special. Those who choose to violate it should be treated accordingly. Motorcycle thefts have a tendency to fall into a few different categories. And while there is no set way to pigeon hole every theft, a review of thefts can give us an idea of what is being sought out by the competition. Cycles that have an underground market for parts have always been on the list. These cycles have included Harley Davidsons and all current superbikes. In the case of Harley Davidsons, there are several after market companies that make frames designed for Harley engines. To take the engine, wheels, running gear, and so on off a stolen Harley is pretty easy. To put all these parts back on an after market frame is pretty easy also. The end result is a new custom built cycle. All one needs to do is trot on down to the DMV for new paperwork on this project. The end result is a new, properly registered cycle in someone else's name even though the cycle consists of 90% parts from a stolen cycle. Sportbikes also have the dubious honor of being high theft items. The reasoning behind this is different than the Harleys. Due to the nature of the beast, sportbikes are raced in amateur events. The need for parts is an ever increasing demand. Several people will not give a second thought to buying used fairings, wheels, etc. to rebuild their own cycle. Several independent shop owners have told me about visits from people who are always offering them "great deals" on used parts. The seller usually sights having his bike crashed and "totalled" as the reason he is selling these parts off. Since there is no need for paperwork to sell parts of a cycle, these types flourish in this trade. When the thief's inventory gets low, he just goes out and picks up another cycle or two. Another category is the "because it was there" type. This theft includes any cycle that may be sitting somewhere and look good to a thief. I have heard of thefts on cycles that one would wonder just what the thief what thinking of when he stole it. These are usually cycles that have no active after market need for their parts. This type of thefts usually result in the cycle being found after it was "joy-ridden" for a period of time. I am starting to suspect that these type of thefts are being done by those who just want a quick $50 to $100 to feed a bad habit. Theft prevention cannot be stressed enough, especially if you own one of higher demand cycles. Besides locks and alarms, you have to think about patterns in your life. Does your cycle sit for long periods of time in one, open area. Is your cycle constantly left unguarded on certain days when no one is around. Theft rings have advanced to the point of finding out about their potential "clients" so they can steal the cycle at a time when they KNOW you are not going to be around. I have made theft reports of cycles stolen from school parking lots, carports, sides of apartment buildings, under stairways, and at work. In each case, you have to wonder if the thief knew that the owner would not be back till a certain time. Learn to practice a little a caution if you repeatedly ride your cycle. Park in different areas each time. Try to remove any pattern in relation to your cycles parking. The competition is getting sharper. You need to raise your awareness to combat him.

Information in this article is probably correct as of the date it was written. Please check with your insurance agent or call Mike at 800-729-2537 before you make any life changing decisions based on what you read here. Comments are always welcome.