A troubling crime wave is gripping Ireland in 2025 — and it’s putting anyone on two wheels at risk. Motorbike and bicycle thefts have surged across the country, with recent statistics from 2024 painting a clear picture of a growing problem that has only worsened this year.

While the latest Garda figures are from last year, community reports and social media posts confirm that this is a very real and ongoing issue in 2025, particularly in urban centres like Dublin, where riders say they’re being targeted daily.

Motorbike Thefts – A Persistent Threat

Motorcyclists are increasingly being targeted by organised gangs and opportunistic thieves:

• 215 motorbikes were stolen in the first quarter of 2024 alone.
• Other stolen vehicles included 70 e-scooters, 31 scooters, and 3 quad bikes.
• Dublin accounted for 80% of all motorbike thefts, making it the country’s theft capital.
• The ongoing issue has led to rider protests, with motorcyclists demanding stronger policing and anti-theft measures.

Despite Garda efforts, riders in 2025 report that the problem is not improving — with many saying they’re now reluctant to park in public or even commute by bike at all.

Bicycle Thefts – Still Rampant in 2025

Theft of bicycles — from racing bikes to e-bikes — continues to rise, especially in cities:

• In 2023, nearly 3,000 bicycles were reported stolen between January and August, with over 2,100 of them in Dublin.
• Cycling campaigners estimate the real number of stolen bikes may be as high as 20,000 per year in Dublin alone.
• Shockingly, 59% of bike thefts occur at the victim’s home, including locked sheds and apartment hallways.

In 2025, Irish cyclists say little has changed — and some claim it’s now harder than ever to keep a bike for more than a few months without it being stolen or vandalised.

What’s Driving the Surge in Theft?

Several factors are contributing to this ongoing problem:

• Organised criminal groups stealing high-value bikes and motorbikes for resale or parts.
• Social media culture glamorising joyriding and stunts with stolen vehicles.
• Low Garda visibility and a lack of working CCTV in key urban areas.
• High demand for second-hand e-bikes and scooters on unregulated marketplaces.

Tips to Protect Your Bike or Motorbike in 2025

Authorities and safety groups are urging owners to take extra precautions:

• Use heavy-duty D-locks or U-locks on both wheels and the frame.
• Lock your vehicle to immovable objects, and keep locks off the ground.
• Change your parking location regularly to avoid being watched.
• Store your bike or motorbike indoors or in a locked garage/shed where possible.
• Remove lights, saddlebags, and accessories when parking in public.
• Register your bicycle at BikeRegister.com or similar services.
• For motorbikes, invest in alarmed disc locks, trackers, and immobilisers.

Calls for Stronger Action in 2025

Motorbike and bicycle owners across Ireland are calling on the Government and Gardaí to:

• Increase patrols in urban theft hotspots.
• Install more high-definition public CCTV.
• Provide secure, monitored bike storage at transport hubs.
• Regulate online sales of used bikes and parts to curb the resale of stolen goods.
• Launch public awareness campaigns and school outreach to deter youth involvement in theft rings.

Final Thoughts

Though the statistics stem from 2024, the reality in 2025 is even more concerning. Cyclists and motorbike riders in Ireland are being disproportionately targeted, and unless more is done, the issue is set to worsen.

If you rely on a two-wheeler — for commuting, exercise, or leisure — you now face a higher risk of becoming a victim. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a growing national problem that demands immediate attention.

Have you been affected by motorbike or bicycle theft in Ireland? Share your story with us at itson.ie.