Rates Of Motorcycle Theft Vary Around U.s.

Reports regarding motorcycle thefts vary - some say it's on the rise, some say it's declining. The truth: the number of stolen bikes in the U.S. decreased between 2012 and 2013, but your area may have an increased number of motorcycle thefts.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, 43,367 motorcycles were reported stolen in the U.S. in 2013. This is a 1.5 percent reduction compared to the 46,601 motorcycles reported stolen in 2012. This decline is part of an overall declining trend in motorcycle thefts. Each year, the number of bikes reported stolen has decreased since 2009. However, the NICB found the decrease is leveling off. Between 2008 and 2009, thefts fell 13 percent. Thefts declined 11.2 percent between 2009 and 2010, then fell 6.3 percent between 2010 and 2011. Last year, the decrease was only 1.3 percent.

So, while the numbers are falling, they aren't dropping as fast as they used to.

The risk of having your bike stolen is a major reason for getting motorcycle insurance. In some areas, the number of reported thefts is increasing. The most popular models taken are Hondas, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki and Harley-Davidson, according to Discount Motorcycle Insurance.

In the beginning of the summer, the California Highway Patrol reported San Diego County was experiencing a rise in motorcycle thefts. People were stealing bikes then quickly selling the parts for cash. The CHP also found the thefts were affecting people serving in the military. Some servicemen, like U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Albert De La Cruz, came back from deployment to find his Suzuki gone, according to NBC San Diego.

In August, Springfield, Missouri, police reported they've seen an increased number of stolen motorcycles, according to NBC affiliate KYTV.

If you own a motorcycle, research your area's theft rates and take precaution by locking your motorcycle in a garage. Also, make sure you have motorcycle insurance. If the worst case scenario happens and you wake up to find your bike gone, your insurance policy will help you get back on the road.