Top 10 Motorcycle Theft Hotspots In London (2023)
Are you a motorcyclist planning to move to the capital for the first time? Or do you already live in London, but are exploring the possibility of moving to a new area?
If you are, then the safety of your motorcycle should be central to your plans.
Every motorcycle rider in London is aware that parking your bike just anywhere, and without anti-theft systems in place, invites the risk of it being stolen.
You must take precautions to protect your ride, but you must also be conscious of the neighbourhood.
This unenviable title goes to the London Borough of Southwark where at least 364 motorcycles were stolen in the past year. The safest borough is Kingston Upon Thames, where only 29 motorcycles were stolen.
The numbers would have been much lower in Boroughs like Southwark, and even in Kingston Upon Thames, if more residents in those areas had invested in quality anti-theft systems.
The EasyBlock wheel lock is a perfect example of a motorcycle security system that will give you peace of mind anytime you are away from your ride.
It is resilient enough to withstand most brute force attacks from thieves and you only need two seconds to activate it when you make a stop and the same two seconds to release the lock when you are ready to get back on the road.
We are keenly aware of how devastating it can be if one becomes a victim of motorcycle theft in London, and that's why we wrote this article to help you identify the high-risk areas within the city.
We use the official Metropolitan Police motorcycle theft statistics in this article.
Overall, the data shows that 5680 motorcycles were reported stolen in London’s boroughs (excluding The City of London) in the past year.
The number is likely much higher because lots of people fail to report motorcycle theft incidents to the police.
The map below indicates the worst and best areas in London for motorcycle theft.
1. Southwark (6.4% of all thefts in London)
Southwark borough is home to some of London’s most iconic attractions, including Shakespeare’s Globe and Tower Bridge. Yet, it is consistently voted among the top 10 most dangerous boroughs in the city.
Given the area’s central location, it's no surprise that it is choke full of motorcyclists, and that motorbike theft is a common occurrence.
The most high-risk area within the borough is West Bermondsey.
2. Croydon (5.9% of all thefts in London)
That this borough ranks so high on our list shouldn’t come as a surprise. The area has a vibrant biking culture, higher levels of crime than most other boroughs in the city, and a large population.
The Fairfield ward is the most high-risk area in the borough. All the major public spaces and the main shopping districts are concentrated there.
3. Tower Hamlets (5.3% of all thefts in London)
You know an area is dangerous to motorcyclists when the London Police manage to recover a total of 23 bikes in a single raid.
Tower Hamlets has consistently had some of the highest numbers of bike thefts each year over the past decade.
St Peter’s ward is the most high-risk area in the borough. However, there are much safer areas for bikers like Limehouse and Island Gardens.
If you will be moving to this part of London, be sure to equip your bike with the EasyBlock wheel lock for short stops, and a heavy chain plus ground anchor for overnight security
4. Lambeth (5.1% of all thefts in London)
Here is another borough with a crime rate that compares poorly with other areas of London.
This in no way diminishes Lambeth. It is one of the most vibrant places to live in the city, with vintage markets, stunning landmarks, and a thriving nightlife.
The main issue is that the borough is one of the most densely populated areas in London. This huge concentration of residents and tourists draws in lots of thieves.
5. Wandsworth (5% of all thefts in London)
This borough is consistently ranked among the safest places to live in London, but it seems bike thieves still have enough breathing space.
The motorcycle theft hotspot in the borough is the Northcote road area. It is the major central area where residents go shopping and eat.
6. Brent (4.9% of all thefts in London)
Home to multicultural communities, it is the most diverse borough in the city. Residential property is relatively cheap and there are lots of leisure facilities.
However, motorcycle theft occurs all over London, and Brent is no exception.
Stonebridge is the most high-risk area for bike owners in the borough.
7. Newham (4.1% of all thefts in London)
New infrastructure that was built for the 2012 Olympics transformed Newham into a place people want to move to. It is also one of the most affordable areas in London.
However, the overall crime rate in the borough is quite high (93 crimes per 1,000 people), and motorcycle thieves are a constant menace.
8. Greenwich (4% of all thefts in London)
Who wouldn’t love Greenwich? There is the river, lots of green spaces, and many of the country’s architectural masterpieces.
Yet, the borough is on this list because lots of bikes are stolen in Greenwich each year.
Bike owners need to always use motorcycle locks and other security systems, especially in the Woolwich Riverside area.
9. Haringey (3.7% of all thefts in London)
Another area with an ethnically diverse community. More than 190 languages are spoken within its boundaries and it is home to Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.
The major concern for bike owners is that the borough is one of the most dangerous places to live in London and there are relatively high levels of reported motorcycle theft incidents.
10. Hounslow (3.5% of all thefts in London)
The borough offers proximity to Heathrow airport and the ideal environment for a suburban lifestyle. The crime rate is also lower than the average London rate.
Just like in other boroughs on this list, most motorcycle thefts tend to occur in the towns and streets where people congregate. In this case, the most high-risk area is the Hounslow Town centre.
11. Hammersmith & Fulham (3.4% of all thefts in London)
A London suburb that is far from the parts of the city frequented by tourists, it is safe and peaceful. The borough is home to lots of affluent residents.
Nonetheless, the motorcycle theft rate is high. Most incidents occur in the Shepherd’s Bush district. The busy neighbourhood attracts opportunistic motorcycle thieves.
12. Barnet (3.3% of all thefts in London)
Locals will tell you Barnet is a great place to live. And that's true. There are great schools, excellent restaurants, and leisure facilities.
The borough is also consistently ranked among the safest places to live in London.
Barnet is on this list because the borough has a large population. It is a less dangerous place for bike owners than other places on this list, but you still need to be vigilant, especially when riding in high-risk areas like Colindale.
13. Sutton (3.2% of all thefts in London)
You may want to move to Sutton because you get access to 1500 acres of parkland and rolling hills in the area without missing out on most of the perks of city living. The crime rate (62 crimes per 1000 people) is also one of the lowest in the city.
The borough would be a perfect place for bike owners if only motorcycle thieves would stay away. The most high-risk area is Sutton town itself.
14. Lewisham (3.1% of all thefts in London)
A borough with an unwanted reputation as a dangerous place to live. The crime rate (85 crimes per 1000 people) is actually average by London’s standards.
It is not a bad place to call home, but motorcycle thieves can make things complicated. The most high-risk area in the borough is New Cross.
15. Ealing (3% of all thefts in London)
Leafy, laid-back Earling is consistently ranked as one of the safest boroughs for families in the city. This may help explain why the location comes last on our list.
It's here though because Earling suffers its fair share of motorcycle theft incidents each year.
Wrapping Up
Southwark is the most dangerous area for bike owners, while Kingston upon Thames is the safest borough.
However, you must never doubt that motorcycle thefts can happen anywhere, even in the posh and affluent areas of the city.
Leaving your bike anywhere without protection is not ideal, and you must get the Easyblock wheel lock to help you deter attacks from bike thieves.
The lock is custom-made for each motorcycle or scooter model. So, if your ride happens to be the Honda Forza 350 scooter, you will be getting an anti-theft system that is designed and optimized specifically for that motorcycle.
We support over 60 models from 11 different motorcycle manufacturers, including all the major brands on the market.
Learn More About EasyBlock on our Website or Get in Touch with Any of Our Dealers in London.
