Over the weekend, thieves stole no fewer than five motorcycles in Barry Hertzog Park, Sunny Ridge and one in Arbor Park.
The sudden strike at the hearts of motorcycle enthusiasts is not unprecedented. Motorcycles are light and easy to steal, as they can be loaded quickly or pushed easily by one person.
According to police spokesperson Captain Shooz Magudulela, the investigations into the thefts were in the early stages, making it impossible to assume a crime syndicate was in operation.
Hakkie van Rensburg, local biker and petrolhead, said the best was to make sure you park your bike in a safe place.
“Don’t make your bike visible. Park it behind your house or lock it in the garage,” he said. “Bikes are very easy to steal. Some motorcycles have a steering lock option; it locks the front wheel at a side angle and makes it a lot more difficult to steal.”
Residents who own motorcycles are urged to keep a close eye on their two-wheeled vehicles, and to beef up security as much as possible.
There are also a number of moderately inexpensive gadgets available, which would provide essential deterrents to opportunistic thieves.
