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Neighbour had a GSXR600 stolen from the street last year. Prior to that it did seem more frequent though. Pandemic must of affected it but so did the rule change allowing the met to knock riders of stolen vehicles off the bikes with the police car if they're stationary.
Airhead-
Have you considered a Bike Trac tracker? Expensive (nearly £600 fitted IIRC, plus £100 p.a. subscription) but it means you can get a litre sports bike and be fairly confident you'll get it back if it's nicked. Friend of mine's had his Blade nicked three times and got it back undamaged. Another friend has his own servicing business and fits Bike Tracs, so I get to hear all the dirt on them. And there isn't any. The thieves haven't beaten them yet. Hiding the bike in a shipping container etc doesn't work. Bike Trac enables a new approach to theft, i.e. have the bike you want and self-insure by getting TPO insurance. Don't let the thieves or insurers dictate your bike choice. Get an old carbed R1 and have that last hurrah. This is my philosophy - I got a Dorsoduro 1200 and I park it on the pavement in Brixton, with a couple of heavy chains to discourage the casual tea leaf. You do have to guarantee that you can answer your phone in the middle of the night, so the filth can be despatched to find your bike.
BMs are no longer safe from thievery because there's a big demand for stolen ones and parts abroad. They've got too popular and successful for their own good. Blame the Ewan and Charlie cosplay idiots.
nick_h.
Has London theft not calmed down? Saw in Edinburgh its now less, but still happens way more than most places, especially those just starting out or want a commuter/scooter, they get targeted quite badly = they go back to car or other commuting transport. Shame as every now and then you start to see a few more folk on bikes starting out, and then there is a wave of them ending up in canals and burn't out in parks.
Mate had a Ducati streetfighter stolen in the west a few months back, was surprised as he always tucks his bikes away, uses the most ridiculous locks (though I guess nothing 30 seconds a thin bladed Makita won't get through).