Watch the video and you will be amazed to see how easy it can be to steal a bike. It only takes seconds for thieves to pick up your bike and load it into a van or to hotwire it and ride off.

Here are some tips on how to prevent motorcycle theft.

Keep your bike hidden
Nothing will keep your bike safer than hiding it from the prying eyes of thieves, says Madkins. If you have a garage, always park your bike inside. If you don’t, first cover it with a bike cover, then a non-descript cover, especially at night. That’s not a foolproof plan, but it could cause thieves on what’s known as a “shopping spree” to overlook your ride.

Anchor it down
If you park your bike outside, use a chain and U-lock to attach it to something sturdy, like a tree or a light pole. If that’s not an option, try lashing it to another bike. Just make sure your lock is suspended in the air, not lying flat on the ground. That will make it harder for thieves to bash it open.

Don’t rely exclusively on alarms
Some motorcycles come with alarms that sound when the bike is jostled. But their value is questionable, says Madkins. “The last time you heard a car alarm, what did you do? Most people ignore it.” So exercise caution. Remember, it’s often easy to disconnect a battery cable or cut the alarm wires, especially on older motorcycles.

Pick parking spots wisely
Many riders like to park their bike between two cars, hoping that will shield it from the gaze of thieves. But all that does is give criminals cover as they break your lock or hotwire your engine. Instead, park your bike in the open and, if possible, near a security camera or street light.

Source: Geico.com