BENNETTS URGES BIKERS TO “SECURE IT, TO KEEP IT” THIS CHRISTMAS
08 December 2004 - Bennetts

An astounding 40%* of all motorcycle theft takes place over the winter months. Bennetts, one of the UK’s major players specialising in motorcycle insurance, is urging bikers to take measures to prevent their machine from being stolen during the festive season with its ‘Secure It To Keep It’ campaign.

Statistics from Bennetts reveal that throughout the year 36%* of all motorcycle insurance claims are due to theft/fire and a higher proportion of such claims (40%*) take place during the festive period, compared with just 5%** of car theft claims.

The campaign in association with the BMF, with backing from 2003 World Superbike Champion Neil Hodgson, aims to raise awareness of the huge number of motorcycle thefts that occur in the UK each year, especially around Christmas time when daylight hours are few and far between.

Bennetts are keen to stress that it is in every motorcyclist’s interest to take steps to secure their machine and subsequently, could receive up to 10% discount on their insurance premium.

Top five security tips from Bennetts and the BMF are:

Buy an alarm, immobiliser and secondary lock
Never leave your keys with the machine and keep in a safe place
Park your motorcycle or scooter in good light and where it can be seen
Secure your machine to ground anchors where provided or something immovable such as a lamp or road sign post
Use a part marking system like Datatag, Alpha Dot or Smartwater to deter professional thieves and help trace your motorcycle or scooter if it is stolen

Managing Director of Bennetts, Matthew Gledhill, said: “The levels of motorcycle theft in this country are still too high, particularly during the festive period. Only half of bikers ever properly secure their machines and of all the motorcycles stolen each year, only 32%*** are ever recovered.”

Matthew continues, “We want to make motorcyclists aware of this and suggest practical ways in which theft can be avoided. We want to raise awareness of the things that can be done to not only help avoid the upset and inconvenience of a stolen motorcycle, but that can also reduce insurance premiums.”

Jeff Stone, BMF Media and PR Manager said: “Motorcyclists should ensure their motorcycle is fitted with an approved alarm and immobiliser and purchase a secondary lock. It is also a good idea to think carefully about

where the bike should be parked, particularly in the winter when it gets dark early. Also where possible bikes should be secured to ground anchors, or failing that something immovable such as a lamp or road sign post.”

More theft reduction tips can be found on the BMF website, www.bmf.co.uk, and to find out how much you could save on your insurance by taking a few simple security steps visit the Bennetts website, www.bennetts.co.uk, for a competitive quote.

*Source: Bennetts Insurance Services

**Source: BISL Limited.

***Source: bmf.co.uk, crime-reduction.gov.uk,

www.bennetts.co.uk

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