Rev Up The Security: Motorcycle Thefts Up 23 Percent In NY

ALBANY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Motorcycle thefts are on the rise in New York state.

The Empire State had the fifth-highest rate of motorcycle theft in the most recent report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau covering 2014 to 2015.

The New York Insurance Association says thefts in New York increased 23 percent during the period, from 1,544 to 1,902. Nationwide, thefts increased six percent during the same time period.

The top three states with the most registered motorcycles topped the list. California led with 7,221 thefts, followed by Florida with 4,758 thefts and Texas with 3,403 incidents.

South Carolina was fourth with 2,160 thefts, while North Carolina (1,866), Nevada (1,408), Georgia (1,393), Indiana (1,333) and Virginia (1,253) rounded out the top 10.

The most thefts occurred in August and the fewest in February, a weather-related pattern that's been consistent for years.

As for the most commonly stolen vehicles, the NICB ranked Hondas as first, with 8,674 stolen models. Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki follow with 7,214, 6,605 and 4,920, respectively.

The NICB recommends motorcycle owners to always lock their ignition and park in well-lit areas to help prevent theft. The NICB also urges motorcycle owners to consider anti-theft devices for their vehicles.

According to USA Today, New York raked number one in motorcycle theft in 2013.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)