A Honda Africa Twin (reg. RF24 BHE) was stolen in the early hours of May 23 from Lyminster Avenue, Brighton, in a theft captured on Ring doorbell footage and a neighbor’s video. The incident marks yet another case in the growing trend of motorcycle theft sweeping through East Sussex.
The theft occurred at 2:47 AM, and while the victim immediately reported the incident to Sussex Police, a miscommunication initially led to a false claim that the motorcycle had been recovered. The victim is still seeking assistance in tracking down the bike, highlighting wider issues with police response and communication in property crime cases.
The Rise of Motorcycle Theft in Brighton
According to ONS data, vehicle thefts rose 7% in 2024, with motorcycles among the most targeted vehicles. High-value adventure bikes like the Africa Twin are especially desirable for resale on black markets.
Brighton’s proximity to London, especially to areas like Southwark (a known hotspot), makes it vulnerable to organized theft rings.
What to Do If Your Motorcycle Is Stolen
- Report it immediately via 101 or the Sussex Police online portal.
- Submit CCTV evidence, including Ring footage or any third-party videos.
- Register on BikeRegister to help identify your bike if recovered.
- Notify your insurance provider with the crime reference number.
- Monitor resale platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Gumtree.
- Post on social media and local forums (like X and Nextdoor) to crowdsource information.
Preventing Motorcycle Theft in Brighton
Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) and BikeRegister recommend:
- Use heavy-duty chain locks or EasyBlock devices.
- Park in well-lit, CCTV-covered areas.
- Fit an alarm or GPS tracker.
- Attend police marking events for deterrence.
- Share suspicious activity via Neighbourhood Watch or local social media groups.
Public Appeal & Community Reaction
Police urge witnesses or those with information to call 101 quoting the reg. RF24 BHE, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
Online, Brighton residents are expressing growing frustration, with some urging others to take stronger security measures. One local posted:
“Lost my bike in Hove last month—Ring footage helped, but police need more resources.”
