[Archived] Police Warn of Motorcycle Thefts on the West End

The Alexandria Police Department has noticed a rise in thefts of motorcycles in Alexandria, specifically at the west end of the City of Alexandria. While the number of thefts is approximately the same amount as this time last year, over 40% of the larcenies have occurred in the last two months.

Please review the tips below and share them with your fellow bike owners:

• See suspicious trucks or vans idling in the area? Report them to local police; that is how most stolen motorcycles are transported from the scene.
• Lock your ignition and remove the key. Many bike thefts occur when the ignition is shut off, but not locked.
• Don’t lock your motorcycle in the same location all the time.
• Uniquely mark and then photograph your bike. If stolen, note unique markings to law enforcement.
• Add an audible alarm to your motorcycle.
• Add a GPS recovery system.
• Park in view of an outdoor security camera. If there isn’t one, choose an area with good lighting.
• If parking in a garage, block your bike with cars and make sure the garage door is locked.
• Do not advertise your bike on social media websites.
• Use more than one type of lock, and anchor your motorcycle to something solid and immovable.
• Wire a kill-switch or spring-loaded switch that must be held down when start button is depressed.
• Use a cover for a less popular brand of bike to discourage thieves from inspecting yours.

Always call the Alexandria Police Department at 703.746.4444 if you see suspicious people or activity taking place.