"Now that LoJack For Motorcycles is available in 25 states nationwide, we're seeing a tremendous increase in the number of recovered motorcycles and related theft rings the system is helping police uncover across the country," said Richard T. Riley, LoJack's President and COO. "With theft rates rising at alarming levels and motorcycle riding experiencing a surge in popularity, we're pleased to provide owners with such a powerful solution that is proving to be an integral part of helping police crack down on bike theft."
Emerging Trend of Chop Shops Selling Stolen Motorcycle Parts Online In the month of September, law enforcement discovered four chop shops in which the thieves were suspected of selling stolen motorcycle parts on online.
Here are the details:
* 13 Harley Davidson motorcycles recovered in a Monterey, CA chop shop --
total value of recovered items $370,000. Chop shop was involved with
selling stolen parts online; two suspects were arrested.
* Metric bike chop shop uncovered in Pacoima, CA that was selling stolen
bike parts online. Chop shop included six stolen metric bikes, a stolen
BMW 528I, and large boxes containing components for Yamaha, Honda and
Kawasaki bikes, six front ends, wheels, 12 mufflers, eight gas tanks,
six rear wheel assemblies, numerous tools, parts and engines. Two
suspects were arrested for chop shop violations and another for selling
stolen goods online.
* Motorcycle chop shop in Alhambra, CA with a garage full of motorcycle
frames and parts, as well as lap top computers -- all in boxes marked
for sale online. Arrested one suspect and investigation in ongoing.
* Sport bikes chop shop in Elgin, IL that uncovered 26 sport motorcycles,
motorized racing equipment, motorcycle frames, and tools used to "chop"
up the motorcycles and stolen vehicles worth nearly $260,000.
Theft Rates Rise a Full 135 Percent in Past Five Years
According to motorcycle theft statistics release this past July by The National Insurance Crime Bureau, more than 70,000 motorcycles were stolen in 2005, representing a loss of more than $430 million to consumers and insurance companies. While theft statistics for 2005 were relatively flat when compared with 2004, the jump in bike theft is dramatic over the past five years, climbing from approximately 30,000 in 2000 to more than 70,000 in 2005 -- a full 135 percent increase.