Several dirt bikes are stolen every year, and unfortunately, most people don’t know what to do if their dirt bikes are stolen. If your bike goes missing, acting quickly can increase the chances of successful recovery.
Here’s a summary of what to do if your dirt bike is stolen.
Steps to follow if your dirt bike is stolen
Report the incident to the police
Whether your dirt bike has been taken from your workplace, your home, or off the street, try as much as you can to report the incident to the police. You might think that this is worthless, but it’s one of the most crucial steps you can take.
The law enforcement will ask for the following details:
- Bike license plate
- The model and make of the dirt bike
- When the theft happened
- Where it was taken from
Notifying the police will also help you make an insurance claim. Most insurance companies will ask for a written report from a police officer before filing a claim.
Call your insurance company
If you have an insurance policy, you need to get in touch with your insurance company ASAP. They will ask for the number of the police report, plus the same details you gave the police. If you file the report faster, you’ll have an easy time recovering your bike.
The compensation will depend on your insurance policy. This process may take up to 30 days, so you need to arm yourself with patience.
Look for it yourself
After reporting the theft to the police and filing an insurance claim, hit the streets and visit used bikes shops, flea markets, and pawn shops. These areas have tons of stolen bikes, so your stolen bike could just be there.
You can also ask your neighbors if they saw someone around your house and drive around your area looking for signs of your dirt bike. It’s advisable to do this the moment you realize your bike is missing. If you wait for longer, you’ll have fewer chances of recovering it.
Post the incident on social media
If you’re on Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp, or Twitter, post the details of your stolen bike and at what time the bike went missing. There are several pages on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook that will repost the picture of your stolen bike. This is an effective method since people who live in your area can give you crucial leads.
Check online listings to see if it is listed there for sale
Guys who steal bikes tend to be very ignorant, so you can catch them trying to sell your bike on an online listing. Keep checking all online bike classified ads and look for any model that resembles your dirt bike.
Tips to Keep Your Dirt Bike Safe & Secure
You don’t have to wait to be robbed of your precious bike. Here are some steps that will keep your bike safe and secure.
Proper locking system
You should have a proper locking system like locks with an alarm or locks fixed to the floor. The locks should be placed on strong and immovable pillars. You can get the latest locking systems in a local store or on Amazon.
Parking area
Despite having a busy day, ensure that you park your bike in an area that’s under CCTV surveillance or park your bike at a railway station. So don’t think it’s a waste of your money, this might save your bike.
Don’t leave your bike in the car
Sometimes you may not be able to take out your dirt bike and keep it in the garage, but don’t make the mistake of leaving it in your car. This is a terrible mistake because thieves will have an easy time stealing your bike. Ensure you put it in the garage after your daily rides.
Secure your garage
Ensure that your garage is secure at all times. Your garage should have a security alarm, tracking code, and other safety measures to minimize the risks of your bike being stolen.
Use the Latest Technology
Fix the latest technology like GPS. It will be easy to locate your bike’s location whenever it’s stolen.
Personal precautions
Ensure that your keys are in your home or with you safely. Thieves may create an artificial key by imprinting your original keys, and it’s very easy to steal the bike even when parked in a secure area. Avoid showing off your bike in public since it creates an atmosphere for your bike to be stolen.
Final Thoughts
No one wants to lose their precious bike. The most unfortunate thing is that it can happen to anyone. Therefore, the best thing is to prepare for any eventuality that may occur. Use the above tips to recover your stolen bike and ensure you take the necessary measures to prevent this from happening again.