Protect your ride: Nationwide offers riders tips to stop motorcycle theft
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 9, 2007
Contact:
Kathryn Hampton 614-677-2296
hamptok2@nationwide.com
Liz Christopher 614-249-7705
christe1@nationwide.com
Columbus, Ohio– It’s a motorcycling nightmare. Gearing up for a ride only to find a favorite two-wheel machine has been the target of a resourceful thief. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau only 25-30 percent of stolen motorcycles are ever recovered, while stolen cars and trucks have a recovery rate of 60-65 percent.
“A record number of motorcyclists are on the road today and many are riding machines with expensive upgrades,” says Mitch Roggeman, national sales director for Nationwide’s Property & Casualty Specialty Products. “These riders can thwart theft with a few simple steps and minor expense.”
Nationwide, therefore, suggests these five tools for savvy riders looking to protect motorcycles of all shapes and sizes:
• Tracking Technology- Install a tracking system on your motorcycle. If
your ride is stolen, the devices use GPS or other locating technology to
help police recover your vehicle.
• Disc Brake Locks - These portable, strongly constructed mechanisms
lock the wheel of your bike in place, preventing ride and roll away
theft. Just don’t forget to remove the device before you return to the
road.
• Chains - Heavy duty chains are particularly useful if you are riding
with a group. A long chain can link the wheels of your bikes together,
leaving no individual target.
• Obstacles - Loosen a spark plug cap or shut off the gas so ride away
thieves believe they are experiencing mechanical problems. Thieves are
more likely to abandon a troublesome machine.
• Location - Park in a well-lit, highly trafficked area. Thieves looking
for a quick grab are likely to move on to an easier, less risky target.
Even the most precautious enthusiasts should make sure their vehicles are covered in case of a theft. Nationwide’s motorcycle and powersports insurance policies cover theft, collision, vandalism and damage caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers. To learn more about motorcycle insurance or powersports insurance or to find an agent, visit www.nationwide.com.
Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the world, with more than $160 billion in assets. Nationwide ranks #104 on the Fortune 500 list. The company provides a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto, motorcycle, boat, homeowners, life, commercial insurance, administrative services, annuities, mortgages, mutual funds, pensions and long-term savings plans. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.
Nationwide, the Nationwide Framemark and On Your Side are federally registered service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.
