BMW answers MCN theft campaign

BMW has become the first manufacturer to security mark all new bikes in response to an MCN campaign.

The firm will mark every bike it sells with a unique hidden code on dozens of individual parts linking them to the owner.

The system deters thieves by making it more difficult for them to sell the bike or parts without getting caught. A discreet sticker on each machine warns them of the markings, which are almost invisible to the naked eye but can be read by police under UV light.

MCN has been campaigning for manufacturers to adopt security marks as standard equipment.

Our Mark Our Bikes campaign has already led a top bike insurer to give away a security marking pack with every policy.

A BMW spokesman said: “From January 1, all BMW models will be fitted with Datatag’s industry-leading system to deter theft, free of charge. The system enables the identification of stolen and unclaimed motorcycles and parts, thereby assisting the police in prosecuting motorcycle thieves and making BMW motorcycles less attractive to criminals as a result.”