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A recent survey carried out by the UK’s only independent manufacture of electronic bike security, Acumen, has suggested that scooter riders are either blissfully unaware that their scooter is more likely to be targeted by thieves, despite these machines being one of the top targeted groups for theft in the UK.

The Bike Theft Index shows that bikes are more likely to be stolen than cars. The lower powered machines, typically those less then 125cc are most susceptible to theft. This lower cc indicates that scooters and mopeds are most at risk and are twice as likely to be stolen than larger cc bikes and a staggering eight times more at risk then cars.

The figures are believed to be so high because the vast majority of scooter owners think that higher powered machines are the bikes which are more likely to be targeted by thieves. As such a staggering 40% of scooter owners had no immobilisers fitted, whilst a further 12% surveyed admitted to having no additional security measures on their machines.

If scooter owners fitted an electronic engine immobiliser it would be virtually impossible for their scooter to be hot-wired. Furthermore these devices are typically lower to buy than the theft excess on their insurance policy.

To help reduce the risk the manufacturer’s Acumen have designed and developed an engine immobiliser specifically for lower cc machines which automatically immobilises the machine 30 seconds after the ignition is turned off. This device is unlike other immobilisers in as much as it requires no power from the machine’s battery as it features an internal battery supply which automatically recharges every time the scooter is ridden. The unit is small enough to fit into the smallest of spaces and the microprocessor is fully waterproof.

Additional security measures can also be applied such as alarms and ensuring that the scooter is always securely chained when parked in public places. The relatively inexpensive deterrents from theft may well worth investing in as many insurance companies will offer discounts to riders with astute minds and have anti-theft devices installed, as well as using common sense by keeping their scooter in a securely locked garage when not in use.

Summer is the time of year when theft of scooters is most prominent. This could be due to more people taking advantage of the dry weather conditions, along with the lower running costs and cost effective mileage one gains from riding a lower cc machine.

Scooters have been the preferred choice of transport for many years. The heady days of hundreds of scooters descending on seaside towns in the summers may not be as prevalent as it was in the 1950s and 60s, however those who have older scooters, complete with the numerous mirrors and the traditional ‘tiger’s tail’ can still be seen on the roads and at specially organised scooter enthusiast meetings across the country.

Finding cheap scooter insurance can be achieved, especially if insurance companies are informed of any anti-theft devices which are installed, as this reduces the risk of the machine being stolen.Swinton offer Cheap Scooter Insurance