Massachusetts Environmental Police see significant increase in thefts of off-highway vehicles, primarily dirt bikes

The Massachusetts Environmental Police has seen a significant increase in the thefts of off-highway vehicles (OHV), primarily dirt bikes, in Central Massachusetts.

A strategy often employed in OHV thefts is to search social media and the internet for machines, especially those placed up for sale. Individuals may then conduct a drive by of the area and return later to steal the machines.

As the primary enforcement agency for OHV laws, MEP takes this issue seriously.

Please consider these extra precautions to protect your investment:

– Store your OHV in a secure location, chain it when possible;
– Store your OHV with no fuel and/or remove the spark plugs to prevent the machine from starting;
– If you’re selling your machine or posting content on social media, be mindful of the details you post or share online;
– If you see suspicious activity, inform your local police department.

If your machine is stolen, report it immediately to the local police department where the machine was located so the information may be entered into the national database. MEP should be notified immediately thereafter at 1-800-632-8075.

Be sure to keep all pertinent information related to your machine in a safe and separate location, to include the vehicle identification number, engine number, registration numbers, make, model, color, year, and any other identifying characteristics (specialized stickers, decals, et al).

With a few simple precautions, you can take responsibility to assist in protecting your significant financial investment.