Recent crime statistics show a car or motorbike is stolen every 13 minutes in South Africa. With incidents of motorbike theft on the rise, it’s no wonder bike owners are looking for more advanced ways to keep their wheels safe.
If you’ve never considered a tracker for your motorbike, you’ll be surprised at the benefits these nifty devices offer regarding security and visibility.
Join us as we dish out crucial motorbike tracker details and why you should consider getting one.
If you don’t consider security measures for your bike, it will always be a sitting duck, especially when parking it on the street, parking lots, or other public areas.
Taking security precautions, whether parking your bike at home or in a public area, can significantly increase your chances of avoiding rocking up to an empty parking space or driveway. So can installing a powerful bike tracker from Cartrack Kenya.
Bikes are both popular fleet components and cherished personal playthings, but which is the most popular target for theft? Let’s take a look.
Fleet motorbike theft doesn't appear to be as widespread as theft targeting individual motorcycles in South Africa. However, while personal motorbike owners face an increased risk of theft, particularly in areas like commuter parking, garages, hotels, and public parking spaces, delivery bikes are slowly but surely becoming a popular target for hijackings and theft as the need for home deliveries started increasing during COVID19 and is still hugely popular today.
In the end, it’s not about fleet versus personal; instead, it comes down to having proper security and tracking technology installed, as motorbike thieves don’t appear to have a clear favourite. Without proper protection, your bike could be next.
Cars may seem like more popular prey for South African thieves statistically, but that doesn't mean motorbikes are off the hook. While car theft takes the top spot, motorbikes remain easy targets, as they’re smaller, lighter, and often lack the fancy security systems found in most cars. Plus, the easy profit and the perceived ease of getting away with bike theft make motorbikes a tempting target.
While there are no separate theft statistics for motor vehicles and bikes in South Africa, it’s clear that both are popular targets, with recent bike thefts and hijackings peaking in areas like Boksburg and surrounds. Thankfully, technology like advanced tracking devices is helping to recover stolen bikes faster, but South African motorbike owners still need to be extra vigilant.
Stealing a car and snatching a motorbike in South Africa might seem like the same crime, but some key differences can make potential motorbike theft a bigger headache for its owners.
Accessibility: With their bright colours and bold designs, motorbikes are the pint-sized punks of the parking lot. Their compact size and lighter weight make them easier to snatch than cars. Thieves can push or ride a motorbike away silently, which is significantly more difficult to do with a car, making bikes vulnerable just about anywhere.
Motive: The reasons behind car and bike theft aren’t that different at a basic level. Both are based on someone looking to make money, and while motorbike theft often involves organised crime gangs targeting high-value bikes for resale, car theft, on the other hand, can differ slightly motive-wise, with anything from selling the whole car to stripping it for parts, taking it for a joyride, or even using it in a more serious crime like hijacking.
Security Measures: Because motorbikes have fewer built-in security measures and are easier to steal, owners need to take extra precautions. Think steering locks, super-visible disc brake or fork locks, loud alarms, and trackers. These measures become crucial when your light and zippy pride and joy are so much easier to lose than a car weighing at least one tonne.
Both motorbikes and cars are at risk in South Africa, but motorbikes are easy targets due to their size and weight. So, if you're a motorbike owner in South Africa, be extra vigilant and invest in robust bike security.
Car theft in South Africa is a complex issue with several driving forces. Here's a quick breakdown of the most common reasons your car and bike could end up missing:
The reasons behind car and bike theft are mostly similar, and it's a mix of financial gain, opportunistic crime, and even organised criminal activity. Understanding these motives can help you choose ideal security measures like a tracking device to keep your motorbike safe.
For individual riders and fleet managers, GPS trackers for motorbikes are a game-changer, offering a powerful range of benefits beyond just location tracking. Let's explore how these handy devices can enhance your riding and fleet management experiences:
GPS trackers for motorbikes can offer a comprehensive solution for all riders by combining enhanced security and other invaluable features. Whether you're a spontaneous adventurer or a city commuter, devices like Cartrack’s GPS tracker can significantly enhance your trip experience and provide peace of mind on every journey.
While these treasured toys and prized possessions offer freedom on the open road, they are also tempting targets for criminals. Let's explore some of the most common ways motorbikes are stolen in South Africa and how you can protect your ride:
Thieves often target unlocked bikes or those with easy-to-bypass locks. They might even work in pairs, with one pushing the stolen motorcycle to a secluded spot while the other acts as a lookout. However, just by securing a strong chain around the frame and rear wheel, you can deter this type of theft tactic.
It’s also important to keep in mind that even a locked motorcycle can be vulnerable if not secured properly. Thieves might simply push a bike away because it's parked in a deserted area, giving them enough time to do it unseen. Along with a chain, high-quality disc locks, alarms, and immobilisers can help keep opportunists at bay.
Beware the professionals, especially if your ride is worth a hefty sum. Syndicates often target high-value motorbikes but have also recently been seen targeting fleet bikes, which means no motorcycle is safe. Depending on the situation, these criminals might use brute force to steal a bike, hotwire it, or simply push it away. Their motives and operations, however, are anything but opportunistic, so staying vigilant in high-risk areas and investing in advanced security helps keep your bike from becoming a target.
Don't let your guard down when you’re at home. Thieves are known to target unlocked garages or parking spaces with weaker security features. Depending on whether you have a closed garage or a gated parking area, reinforce your home parking space with alarms or sensors, strong doors, and secure windows.
These four common theft tactics are the most popular among motorbike thieves and tend to trend in specific locations or hotspots. Discover some of the motorbike theft hotspots you should be on the lookout for.
Motorbikes can be (and are) stolen from various locations across South Africa. Some of the most common areas include:
Even a secured backyard is not an impossible feat for a determined bike thief, making full visibility of your bike’s location a necessity.
Whether you’re a hardcore Harley fan or a Vespa buff, make sure you’ve got your bike safety sorted the easy way—here’s how:
Hitting the road on your bike can be an incredible and liberating experience, but there's also a growing concern as motorcycle hijackings start becoming more prevalent. A trend of armed criminals on bikes targeting motorcyclists has become a hard reality for bike-loving South Africans, and these ruthless thieves might resort to violence, shooting at riders or pushing them off their bikes to steal the ride. Just like carjackings, hijackers can also use firearms to threaten riders and steal their bikes in various locations, from remote areas to busy highways.
Here's the good news: you can take steps to stay proactive and protect yourself. Take a look at our five top tips to avoid becoming a motorbike hijacking statistic.
Whether with a car or motorcycle, hijackings are traumatising experiences, and we need to take every precaution possible to make sure we don’t have to deal with it. Four basic tips set you up for safety success every time you and your bike hit the road:
By following these tips and staying vigilant, motorbike owners and bike fleet managers can enjoy the ride with greater peace of mind. Remember, a little awareness goes a long way in keeping yourself and your bike safe.
Keeping your motorbike safe isn't just about common sense – it's about awareness. Here are five top tips to make sure your pride and joy stays right where you parked it:
This might seem obvious by now, but quality security really does make a huge difference. Disc locks, chain locks, and ground anchors are your best friends. They act like flashing red lights to thieves, saying, "you’re going to struggle with this one, buddy". Locking your bike to a solid object or using a ground anchor makes it even tougher to steal. Remember, a properly secured bike is safe and gives you peace of mind knowing you've taken precautions.
When choosing a parking spot, knowing your high-risk locations is key to street smart vigilance. Park in designated spaces with good lighting, CCTV, or parking security. While you may think busy areas offer good security because the more eyes there are the better, this is not necessarily a smart way to park as bustling areas can also cause people not to notice the theft. Look for designated parking security and stay alert of your surroundings at all times.
Think of a motorcycle cover as a security blanket for your bike. While it should not be your primary means of security, it does hide your precious machine from prying eyes while protecting it from the elements and scratches. Think of it as a disguise – thieves are less likely to target a hidden bike. Plus, a cover makes a quick getaway tricky, giving you more time to react if someone messes with your ride.
Always be wary of strangers, and in this case, if they’re hanging around your bike. They might be checking out the scene, trying to chat you up to learn about your security setup, or even waiting for a chance to distract you while an accomplice makes a move. Don't give away information about your bike or your schedule, and keep an eye on it whenever you leave it unattended. A little caution goes a long way in preventing theft.
GPS trackers are like guardian angels for motorbikes. They let you track your bike's location 24/7, so if the worst happens, you can find it fast. Imagine the relief of knowing exactly where your stolen bike is! Some advanced trackers and tracking technology like Cartrack’s BikeWatch can also send alerts if your bike moves when it shouldn't, helping recovery teams get your bike back faster.
Following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of your motorbike becoming someone else's joyride.
If you’re still wondering where you can find a bike tracker that ticks all the boxes, stop right there. Cartrack’s advanced tracking device offers a range of features that help enhance your security as a private bike owner and elevate productivity as a bike fleet manager. Here’s how:
Don’t settle for less if you know Cartrack Kenya offers you the most advanced GPS bike tracking, security, and bike recovery. Contact us today.
Contact Cartrack Kenya today and discover how to effortlessly level up your bike tracking and security, whether fleet or personal.
