Honda Africa Twin Stolen in Brighton amid Surge in Bike Thefts
A prized Honda Africa Twin (reg. RF24 BHE) was snatched in the early hours of May 23 from Lyminster Avenue, Brighton. The brazen theft, caught on Ring doorbell and neighbour’s CCTV, highlights the rising tide of motorcycle thefts in East Sussex.
Swift Theft at 2:47 AM
The bike disappeared just before 3am. The victim reported the theft immediately to Sussex Police. Confusion soon followed a mistaken claim that the bike had been found. The owner remains desperate for help finding the bike, spotlighting ongoing issues with police communication on property crimes.
Motorcycle Theft on the Rise in Brighton
ONS data reveals vehicle thefts soared by 7% in 2024, with motorcycles a prime target. High-value adventure bikes like the Africa Twin fetch big bucks on the black market. Brighton’s closeness to London crime hotspots like Southwark feeds this organised theft trend.
Top Tips If Your Bike Gets Stolen
- Report immediately via 101 or Sussex Police’s online portal.
- Submit any CCTV or Ring footage you have.
- Register your bike on BikeRegister to aid recovery.
- Inform your insurance company with the crime ref number.
- Check online marketplaces like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Gumtree.
- Post updates on social media and local forums like X and Nextdoor to get the community involved.
How to Protect Your Motorcycle in Brighton
Motorcycle Action Group and BikeRegister recommend:
- Use heavy-duty chain locks or EasyBlock devices.
- Park in well-lit areas covered by CCTV.
- Fit alarms or GPS trackers.
- Join police bike marking events as a deterrent.
- Report suspicious activity through Neighbourhood Watch or local social media groups.
Community Demands Better Police Response
Police urge witnesses to call 101 quoting reg. RF24 BHE or anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Locals are fed up, with many demanding stronger security and police resources. One Brighton resident who lost a bike in Hove said:
“Lost my bike in Hove last month—Ring footage helped, but police need more resources.”
