LoJack Releases Motorcycle Theft Study

WESTWOOD, MASS. — LoJack announced the results of its first annual Motorcycle Theft Study, which found that law enforcement recovered 292 LoJack-equipped motorcycles in 2006 valued at close to $2.8 million.

Motorcycle theft overall has increased by 135 percent over the past five years, according to the National Crime Bureau, which reported that more than 70,000 motorcycles were stolen in 2005, said LoJack.

"Today's professional thieves view stealing motorcycles as a theft of opportunity and an easy money-making proposition, which is why bike theft is increasing at such an alarming rate," said Richard Riley, LoJack chairman/CEO. "Motorcycles are relatively easy to steal when compared to cars. In many cases, the thief will simply put the bike in the back of a van and drive off with it," he added.

LoJack said its device helped law enforcement discover 76 professional theft rings enabling the police to reclaim an additional $2.1 million in other stolen bikes, parts and other items.

The LoJack report found that the most popular theft targets are the newer sport bikes. Four of the top five stolen/recovered bikes are sport bikes and 87 percent were either 2005 or 2006 models. The top five stolen motorcycle makes are Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Harley-Davidson.

LoJack began offering a LoJack for motorcycles 18 months ago at $595 through car and motorcycle dealers.

The company also offers ruggedized LoJack devices for construction vehicles such as backhoes, loaders, light towers, bulldozers and dump trucks. Construction theft is valued at well over $1 billion annually, it said.