We keep seeing more and more posts about stolen dirt bikes, especially locally. A lot of time and money goes into these machines, so it's devastating to have them taken. Keep reading for tips on keeping your dirt bikes and other off-road toys safe.

Dirt bikes are stolen all the time. Whether the person is looking to make a quick buck or take a joy ride, this is happening very often. Follow these steps to save yourself some trouble and have peace of mind:

1. Make sure your bike is locked up

A huge part of keeping your dirt bike from being stolen is to keep it locked up when not in use. Whether you keep it in a garage or a shed, make sure any doors and windows are locked so thieves can't get in. If you don't have a building to store your bike in at home, it is worth looking into other storage options. Some storage centers will allow you to rent to keep your dirt bike there. You could also keep it at a friend or relative's house.

2. Have Security Cameras

If you are going to store your dirt bike in a garage, shed, or anywhere on your property, it is a good idea to have security cameras in place. Even locked up bikes are still stolen sometimes if the thief is able to break in, so having cameras could get you the video footage needed to help catch them. Read more on reliable security cameras here.

3. Get Insurance

Having dirt bike insurance can cover you in the instance that your bike is stolen. Theft protection will help you recuperate your money to put towards purchasing a new one. It is easiest to check with your current insurance provider, but you could also compare rates with other companies to find the best deal. Make sure to ask about coverage options and the price differences between plans. Places like Progressive even allow you to find quotes online.

4. Invest in a Tracking Device

Tracking devices are readily available in our time. Something like an Apple Air Tag could be hidden on your bike so you can track it down from your phone in the case that it is stolen. You would want to place it in a spot that is not blatantly obvious so the burglar doesn't notice, but also somewhere it will not be broken or interfere when riding. 

5. Be Alert

Keep an eye out for any suspicious activity, especially if you live in a very populated area. Be vigilant for any unusual activity or unknown people around your home. Many times, thieves will scope out houses prior to performing the act. So, it's possible to catch suspicious activity before the crime happens, letting you know to remain alert. You could always check with neighborhood watch groups online and report activity too.

In the unfortunate case that your bike was still stolen, the first thing to do would be file a police report. If you already had cameras, check them to see if they caught anything and make sure to give the police any information. Next, if you had insurance, call the company and let them know what happened. Many people will post to Facebook or other social media looking for answers and offer a reward for the safe return of their dirt bike.

Nobody ever wants to see their prized possession stolen. Follow these suggestions to help give yourself peace of mind when it comes to protecting your dirt bike or other off-road vehicles.