How the bike industry reacted

Ian Mutch, MAG.

What do you think of the report?

It tells us a lot of things that MAG is already aware of. We take bike crime very seriously. We take bike crime very seriously. Some of the figures are incredibly sobering, though, in the cold light of day. It also shows the police are taking this form of crime very seriously.

How would you improve it?

What we really need is harsher sentencing. These are evil, callous people. I’m also aware of confusion in many cases of theft between bikes and cars, and I’d like to have more confidence in the police figures from which this report was created.

What is the next step?

Bikers should see these figures and join MAG. We campaign locally with every local authority. This includes ground anchors and security. We offer rewards to the public of up to £10,000 for putting thieves behind bars.

Craig Carey-Clinch, Motorcycle Industry Association.

What do you think of the report?

We support it. It casts ideas and raises awareness, but the figures I’ve seen don’t really stack up.

How would you improve it?

Every force counts and records thefts differently. We need to work on the police, get them off their arses and start providing the detailed info.

What is the next step?

Now we’ve made the headlines, we need to capitalise on it. All inadequate information must stop. With detailed info, the Home Office can target high-risk areas by postcode

David Morrow, MD, Carnell/City

What do you think of the report?

We welcome the first official review of bike crime in the UK. Security is a massive concern for all of us and advice on locks, security systems and alarms is an important part of our relationship with our customers.

How would you improve it?

I’d like to see an update from manufacturers to see how they’re making bikes more secure and traceable. I’d also like suggestions on how our customers can make their own bikes more secure.

What is the next step?

This report holds greater importance on the effect it could ultimately have on insurance. Inflated quotes, obviously in part reflecting the theft statistics, are having a massive impact on the market. We are working hard to get more people on to two wheels and welcome and information in support of this cause.

Ken German, Met bike crime expert

What do you think of the report?

It’s a start and we’ve come out of the shell called ” auto crime ” . Bikes are now addressed separately, which is great.

How would you improve it?

I’d like to see more depth in the makes and models.

What is the next step?

Make police and insurance companies supply accurate figures of exactly which models are stolen.

Scott Grimsdall, Honda UK

What do you think of the report?

Any anlysis of theft is good, but I don’t think this report is enough. It’s a positive step forward and it’s got a lot of coverage. It’s brought the issue out into the open.

How can you act on it?

T should help manufacturers improve security by letting us know which particular models are being stolen and how the thieves do it.

What is the next step?

Customers need to read this and lock their bikes up! We are fitting HISS immobilisers as standard on a wide range of models, as well as providing practical storage space for heavy-duty U-locks. But it still requires you to lock up! Also, prosecutions for bike theft should be made harsher.

Luke Plummer, Ducati UK

What do you think of the report?

It’s good to be recognised and it identifies the problem. But, at first glance, it does appear that the obvious is being stated.

How can you act on it?

It should tell us and our customers what forms of security actually work. Give us more detailed information about the thefts.

What is the next step?

We should take notice of the findings. We’ve already started fitting immobilisers as standard across many models in our range.