Date Published: July 29, 2006   

Motorcycle thefts on the rise in S.C.

Chief says festivals, chop shops factor into state’s ranking

By CRYSTAL OWENS
Item Staff Writer
cowens@theitem.com

Carolina motorcycle enthusiasts, beware.

According to a study recently released by the National Insurance Crime Bureau, South Carolina ranks 11th in the country in motorcycle thefts. North Carolina ranks fourth.

Sumter Police Chief Patty Patterson said there are a lot of factors that play into the numbers, but she thinks South Carolina motorcycle festivities, such as the famed Harley-Davidson rally in Myrtle Beach, play a role in the state’s ranking.

“A lot of folks have gotten to the point where they drive their bikes there on a trailer rather than ride the bike itself,” she said, adding that such a method gives owners the ability to better secure the vehicle from theft.

Motorcycles are easier targets than automobiles, authorities say, because thieves can roll the bikes away, making no sound to alert witnesses or owners.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau recently released a report ranking states for motorcycle thefts in 2005. They are, with theft totals as follows: 1. California — 9,110 2. Florida — 6,324 3. Texas — 5,755 4. North Carolina — 3,053 5. Ohio — 2,573 6. Arizona — 2,464 7. New York — 2,195 8. Indiana — 2,186 9. Georgia — 2,159 10. Pennsylvania — 2,021 11. South Carolina — 961

In South Carolina, 1,961 motorcycles were stolen in 2005, one less than the 1,962 stolen in 2004. Nationally, 70,613 motorcycles were stolen last year, a slight decrease from the 71,108 stolen the year before. This represents a loss of more than $434 million to motorcycle owners and the insurance industry, said Allison Dean Love, spokeswoman for the S.C. Insurance News Service.

Motorcycle chop shops, Patterson said, are also a considered a factor in South Carolina’s high ranking.

“Throughout the years, we’ve experienced problems with the chop shops,” she said. “We’ve definitely had our share. Lots of times, we’ve found the stolen bikes in those shops, but by that time, they’re already chopped up and ruined. But we haven’t had that problem [lately].”

Authorities say the number of thefts could increase with more motorists turning to motorcycles, mo-peds and scooters for transportation as gasoline prices continue to rise.

Also, motorcyclists often lavish great attention on their cycles, Dean said, including elaborate paint schemes, chromed parts, specialized frames, high-performance engines and exhaust systems. It’s not uncommon, she said, for a motorcycle’s price to exceed $20,000 once aftermarket parts add thousands of dollars to the original cost.

The S.C. Insurance News Service offers the following tips to help protect consumers from buying a stolen motorcycle or becoming a victim of theft themselves:

n Be wary of used cycles titled or registered as an “assembled vehicle.” If possible, have your insurer inspect the cycle prior to purchasing it.

  Verify that a previously-driven cycle titled and registered as a popular brand name is not an assembled clone made from aftermarket components.

  Look closely at used cycles for a title history that reveals numerous manufacturers’ statements of origin for major component parts.

  Watch for cycles alleged to be “all-custom.” They could be assembled from stolen or altered aftermarket parts, especially chrome components.

  Be wary of cycles or major component parts allegedly acquired at a “swap meet.”

  Obtain an expert appraisal and/or insurance policy pre-inspection before purchasing and insuring a used cycle.


Contact Staff Writer Crystal Owens at cowens@theitem.com or (803) 774-1270.