Are you overdoing your motorcycle theft prevention? We'll explain the pros and cons and appropriate level of security measures.

Is too much motorcycle theft prevention a bad thing?

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Motorcycle theft is increasing year by year, and it is said that the number of motorcycle thefts will further increase due to the growing number of immigrants.

Therefore, from the perspective of motorcycle theft prevention, there is no such thing as "too much," but it is important to note that there are also disadvantages when considering convenience and cost.

Number of Motorcycle (Motorbike) Thefts

The number of motorcycle thefts has been on an upward trend in recent years, as shown below:

Fiscal Year	Number of Thefts	Number of Arrests	Arrest Rate
2018	15,292	2,652	17.3%
2019	11,255	2,422	21.5%
2020	9,018	1,489	16.5%
2021	7,569	1,289	17.0%
2022	7,913	1,458	18.4%
2023	9,946	1,717	17.2%
2024	11,641	2,127	18.3%

Reference: Automobile and Motorcycle Committee Activity Report

https://www.ssaj.or.jp/jssa/pdf/car-bike_2024.pdf

Number of arrests: National Police Agency Crime Statistics

https://www.npa.go.jp/publications/statistics/sousa/statistics.html

The figures above are for reported cases, and the actual number of thefts is likely higher. While the number of thefts had been on a continuous decline, from 15,292 in 2018 to 11,255 in 2019 and 7,569 in 2021.

However, it increased to 7,913 in 2022, surged to 9,946 in 2023, and further exceeded 10,000 to 11,674 in 2024, surpassing the theft figures of 2019.

With the dramatic increase in foreign visitors to Japan, including immigrants, there is a high possibility that the number of motorcycle thefts will continue to rise. Therefore, taking measures to prevent motorcycle theft has become essential.

Prefectures with the Most Motorcycle Thefts in 2024

Rank	Prefecture	Number of Motorcycle Thefts
1	Osaka Prefecture	1,423
2	Kanagawa Prefecture	973
3	Saitama Prefecture	882
4	Tokyo Metropolitan Area	834
5	Aichi Prefecture	571
6	Chiba Prefecture	481
7	Hyogo Prefecture	383
8	Fukuoka Prefecture	319
9	Kyoto Prefecture	233
10	Okayama Prefecture	188

Reference: Japan Motorcycle Promotion & Safety Association

https://www.jmpsa.or.jp/about/nifunews.html

Looking at motorcycle theft statistics by prefecture, Osaka has the highest number of thefts, with 1,423 cases in 2024 alone (actual numbers are likely higher than reported cases).

This is followed by Kanagawa Prefecture with 973 cases, Saitama Prefecture with 882 cases, Tokyo with 834 cases, Aichi Prefecture with 571 cases, and Chiba Prefecture with 481 cases. Motorcycle theft crimes are prominent in metropolitan areas and regions with large populations.

Since prefectures with high populations tend to have a proportionally higher number of motorcycle thefts, it is essential for those who own motorcycles and live in these areas to implement motorcycle theft prevention measures.

Pros and Cons of Overdoing Theft Prevention

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While there are benefits to overdoing motorcycle theft prevention, there are also drawbacks.

Let's first look at the benefits of excessive motorcycle theft prevention.

Benefits

The benefits of excessive motorcycle theft prevention include the following:

• Highly effective theft deterrent
• Provides peace of mind
• Prevents theft attempts

Thorough motorcycle theft prevention can significantly enhance deterrence and provide peace of mind, which is arguably the biggest benefit.

The more stringent the theft prevention measures, the longer it takes to steal the motorcycle, increasing the likelihood of preventing theft attempts.

Disadvantages

The disadvantages of excessive theft prevention measures, beyond typical motorcycle theft prevention, are as follows:

• It becomes troublesome to ride the motorcycle.
• Costs and effort increase, but the measures may not be commensurate.
• The motorcycle itself can become too conspicuous.
• Difficulty finding a place to store the motorcycle.
• Can disturb neighbors.
• Worry about being laughed at for "overdoing it."

If you implement excessive theft prevention measures, such as using multiple disc locks or "earth locks," it can become a hassle to get on and off your motorcycle, and the measures may not be commensurate with the cost and effort involved.

Excessive theft prevention can also make your motorcycle stand out, create difficulties in finding a parking spot, and potentially annoy neighbors.

While strict theft prevention measures are sometimes ridiculed and spread as a joke on social media, those who have actually experienced theft often regret not having taken more precautions.

Although you might be concerned about what others think, preventing your motorcycle from being stolen is far more important. Therefore, prioritizing solid security measures without worrying about others' opinions is crucial.

This is too much! Concrete examples of excessive theft prevention

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While implementing multiple layers of theft prevention can reduce the likelihood of theft, some measures are ineffective or can even increase the risk of theft.

We will introduce specific examples of "excessive theft prevention" that have low cost-effectiveness, meaning the effort and expense invested yield minimal theft prevention benefits.

Applying too many fake warning stickers

While warning stickers can have some deterrent effect, applying too many makes them look unnatural and easy to identify as fake.

Stickers act as a deterrent, but they don't actually prevent theft, so applying a large number is pointless.

Excessively applying fake warning stickers can also spoil the design and appearance of the motorcycle, and it is unlikely to be very effective in preventing theft.

Using three or more heavy-duty chain locks

The basic principle of theft prevention is to make criminals think it's "too much trouble" to steal, and using multiple chain locks can create that impression.

However, professional thieves will cut through chain locks if necessary, so using more chain locks than required is likely to be futile.

Using three or more chain locks increases the hassle of attaching and detaching them, and carrying them around, which can make you reluctant to ride your motorcycle. Therefore, this is an excessive theft prevention measure that offers little benefit for the effort involved.

Installing multiple GPS trackers

There was a case where a motorcycle with a GPS tracker (AirTag) was stolen by Sri Lankan thieves during a touring trip, but the GPS tracker helped locate the stolen motorcycle.

Therefore, GPS trackers like AirTags are effective anti-theft measures as they can potentially locate a stolen motorcycle. However, installing a large number of them is not very meaningful.

While installing many could mean that if one is discovered, the remaining GPS trackers might still be effective, skilled professionals can likely locate GPS trackers, making an excessive number of them overkill.

Full equipment of alarm × tilt sensor × vibration sensor

There are various security sensors available, such as anti-theft sensors that detect motorcycle vibrations and sound an alarm or horn to alert people, as well as tilt sensors and vibration sensors. However, fully equipping your motorcycle with all of them is pointless.

Various sensors detect motorcycle movement or vibration and trigger an alarm or send notifications to your smartphone. Any one of them fulfilling its role is sufficient.

Furthermore, an increased number of security sensors makes false alarms more likely. Fully equipping with sensors and alarms also has the disadvantage of being easily triggered by strong winds.

Using 2-3 layers of motorcycle covers

Motorcycle covers help keep the motorcycle inconspicuous to others and protect it from dust, rain, and wind. Therefore, covering the motorcycle with multiple layers is pointless.

Using two or three layers of motorcycle covers only increases the hassle when starting to ride or parking, without enhancing security. Thus, it's a wasteful anti-theft measure.

Since direct contact with the cover can easily cause minor scratches to the motorcycle, it is more effective to place a soft blanket or similar material under the cover to protect the motorcycle.

Installing multiple surveillance cameras around the area

Security cameras not only monitor motorcycles but can also help identify thieves through recorded information in the event of theft.

Installing security cameras around your motorcycle can help prevent theft, but installing multiple cameras does not necessarily increase security effectiveness.

Since they are ineffective against thieves who cover their faces to avoid identification, installing multiple security cameras is an excessive theft prevention measure with low cost-effectiveness.

Appropriate theft prevention with the right balance

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While excessive motorcycle theft prevention can make starting and stopping take longer, insufficient measures increase the risk of theft. Therefore, neither "too much" nor "too little" is good.

It's important to find a balance where theft prevention is stringent but doesn't burden you when starting or stopping. This means highly effective measures that are not too inconvenient.

Minimum Level (Must-do)

With the increasing number of motorcycle thefts in recent years, motorcycle theft prevention is becoming a must. Here are the minimum theft prevention measures you should take:

• U-lock or chain lock (one)
• Motorcycle cover
• Park in a bright, open area

The handle lock on your motorcycle alone is insufficient. Use a U-lock or chain lock to secure your motorcycle to a wheel or a fixed structure like a pole.

An "earth lock" (locking to an immovable object on the ground) provides a more secure lock, so it's preferable to do this and then cover the motorcycle to make it less noticeable.

Thieves fear being seen, so park your motorcycle in a bright, open, and conspicuous location whenever possible.

Motorcycle Cover for Discretion

Source: https://bikeman.jp/products/d-97963

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A motorcycle cover is effective for "making your motorcycle inconspicuous," which is a fundamental aspect of motorcycle theft prevention.

The DAYTONA "Motorcycle Cover SIMPLE Silver" is a silver motorcycle cover that blends in with the surroundings, making your beloved bike less noticeable.

It also protects your motorcycle from rain, wind, dust, and UV rays, preventing damage to your vehicle. It is recommended to place a soft blanket or similar material under the cover before covering the bike to prevent minor scratches caused by the cover rubbing against the motorcycle.

• Product Name: Motorcycle Cover SIMPLE Silver
• Manufacturer: DAYTONA
• Retail Price (incl. tax): 5,393 yen

Standard Level (Recommended for urban areas or popular models)

For those who ride motorcycles in urban areas or own popular models where the likelihood of theft is high, standard-level theft prevention is recommended.

• Heavy-duty chain or U-lock × 2 locations
• Simple alarm or app-notified lock
• Install one GPS tracker

Use thick, cut-resistant chain locks or U-locks in two places (front and rear), and implement a simple alarm or an app-notified lock.

Install one GPS tracker to immediately detect if the motorcycle moves from its parking spot, and a motorcycle cover is a must.

Portable U-lock

Source: https://bikeman.jp/products/d-32698

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The DAYTONA "Stronger U-Lock" is a recommended U-lock that protects your motorcycle with a sturdy body and a thick shackle.

It features a 16mm thick round steel that is difficult to cut, a cushioned rubber coating to prevent damage to the wheels, and a disc cylinder key (with an LED for nighttime use) that is resistant to picking.

• Product Name: Stronger U-Lock
• Manufacturer: DAYTONA
• W×H (mm): 154×220
• Cross-section diameter: 16mm
• Accessories: 3 keys (with LED)
• Retail Price (incl. tax): 5,500 yen

Comprehensive Level (for high-value vehicles, theft-prone areas, etc.)

If you own an expensive and popular motorcycle like a BMW or Harley-Davidson, or live in a theft-prone area like Osaka, it is highly recommended to be diligent about your motorcycle's theft prevention.

• Full set: 2 earth locks, alarm, cover, GPS
• Home storage in a garage or covered area with security cameras
• Regularly check location information and lock status

Apply two earth locks at the front and rear, install an anti-theft alarm system that triggers an alarm with vibration detection, and a GPS tracker. Cover the motorcycle with a bike cover to make it less conspicuous.

If storing at home, park the motorcycle in a garage or another place where unauthorized individuals cannot enter. If garage storage is not possible, it is essential to monitor the motorcycle with security cameras in a covered location.

Not just expensive motorcycles, but also popular models like HONDA "PCX125" and "Monkey 125," which are in demand overseas, are highly susceptible to theft. Therefore, it is important to implement solid anti-theft measures even when you're out and about.

Chain Lock for Earth Locking

Source: https://bikeman.jp/products/kpn-0720018000846

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The KRYPTONITE "Kryptolok 2 Integrated Chain Lock" is a powerful chain lock that allows for "earth locking" (locking to an immovable part of the ground).

This robust chain lock securely connects the lock's end to the crossbar, much like an eagle's talon, and incorporates Kryptonite's patented technology.

• Product Name: Kryptolok 2 Integrated Chain Lock
• Manufacturer: KRYPTONITE
• Total Length: 1.5m
• Cross-section diameter: 9mm
• Weight: 3.67kg
• Retail Price (incl. tax): 17,141 yen

Caution when deactivating alarms

Thieves may feign an alarm malfunction to make the alarm sound, then prompt the owner to deactivate it before proceeding with the theft. Therefore, it is crucial not to deactivate the alarm impulsively.

During strong winds, such as when a typhoon approaches, thieves may shake the motorcycle to create a false alarm, making the owner believe it's a malfunction caused by the wind, and then try to get them to deactivate the alarm to avoid disturbing neighbors.

Alarms are security devices that alert those nearby with a loud alarm or horn if the motorcycle experiences unusual vibrations. However, during strong winds, they can malfunction, making it difficult to judge the situation.

If you have an alarm installed, it's important to know beforehand how strong the wind needs to be to trigger a false alarm, as this can help you make a better judgment.

Key Points for Identifying the Appropriate Level

For motorcycle theft prevention, the well-balanced and appropriate approach is as follows:

Decision Point	Consideration Point
Where do you park it?	Home, monthly parking, street, etc. Is there public visibility?
What kind of motorcycle is it?	Popular models and expensive vehicles are easily targeted.
What is the theft situation in the area?	Theft countermeasures should be taken in urban areas and prefectures with high theft rates (e.g., Osaka, Aichi).
What is your personality like?	Countermeasures that cannot be sustained are meaningless.

Theft countermeasures should be tailored to where you park your motorcycle, and public visibility is also a consideration.

Some motorcycle models are more prone to theft; expensive models such as BMWs and Harley-Davidsons, as well as 125cc motorcycles popular overseas, tend to be stolen, so stricter measures are essential.

Osaka and Aichi prefectures, which have a high number of thefts nationwide, also require stricter theft countermeasures. Not only residents of these areas but also those visiting for touring should be aware of theft risks.

Theft countermeasures that cannot be sustained are not very effective. Therefore, the basic principle is to protect your motorcycle with countermeasures that you can consistently implement, taking your personality into account.