Gilera Runner 'most stolen motorcycle' in the UK

THE Gilera Runner was the most frequently stolen motorcycle model during 2010 according to the ACPO Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (AVCIS).

The moped tops the ten most stolen models last year; however, the most prominent marque on the list is Piaggio. Five of the Italian scooter manufacturer’s models appear on the list, including the Vespa, Zip and NRG. This illustrates that while top-end, high-performance bikes may be considered desirable, it is the more practical, automatic mopeds and scooters that are more frequently stolen.

Luckily, for the average biker, motorcycles don't feature prominently in the Top 10.

“The list shows that the owners of more affordable scooters and mopeds need to be extra security conscious,” said Head of AVCIS, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Hooper. “It can take less than ten seconds to overcome a normal steering lock, and only slightly longer to lift a bike into the back of a van. Be vigilant when parking your moped or motorcycle, and if it’s possible to lock it in a garage overnight, do.”

Top ten motorcycle and scooter models stolen in 2010

What is slightly concerning is this line from AVCIS: 'It is recognised that 'traditional' vehicle crime, such as theft of or from vehicles is no longer regarded as a policing priority by most forces. Therefore, under the guidance of the Association of Police Officers (ACPO) portfolio lead for Vehicle Crime matters, the ACPO Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (AVCIS) was launched on 15th December 2006'.