September marked the end of the summer heat but the start of hot motorcycles.

According to local police blotters, nearly a handful of motorcycles were reported stolen in our area within a two week span. The locations of the thefts include:

336 Albany Street
Sept. 2, 2010 @ 2 PM
A $12,000 motorcycle was reported stolen

68 Franklin Street
Sept. 3, 2010 @ 8:30 AM
A $14,000 motorcycle was reported stolen.

80 North Moore Street
Sept. 10, 2010 @ 12:30 PM
A motorcycle was reported stolen.

10 Liberty Street
Sept. 14, 2010 @ 5 PM
A motorcycle was reported stolen.

Coincidentally and most likely unrelated to the local thefts, a national motorcycle ring was arrested with some motorcycles coming from the New York area. Motorcycle thefts are nothing new to the area as New York City ranks fifth in cities reporting the most motorcycle thefts.

The frequency of which the motorcycle thefts occurred in September is cause for some alarm for motorcycle owners in our area. For our motorcycle endowed neighbors, here are some tips on keeping your motorcycle secure:

1. Keep your motorcycle in a inconspicuous area or concealed location.
2. Install a hidden kill switch, which must be activated to start your bike.
3. Along with your bikes built in lock, use alternate methods of securing your bike such as a secondary lock system.
4. Common sense also dictates, never leave your motorcycle running while unattended.