Modern Vespa

I was reading that scooter thefts are on the rise in Washington DC.
What is the sense of this in the rest of the country?
Are thefts up where you live? Are there any figures nationally?
It stands to reason that with gas prices spiking that scoots would be more of a target. What is the market for stolen scoots? Parts or sold whole?
Anybody want to comment on this. Are thefts really on the rise?

Here's an analysis done in Australia in 2006. There was a direct connection between scooter sales and scooter thefts over a 5 year period.

http://www.carsafe.com.au/documents/TheftMattersJuly2006.pdf

I googled the topic and it looks like D.C, and Virginia at least for now have an uptick in scooter thefts.

never hurts to be careful and NOT make your scooter the impulse/easy target.

Seeing how scooters are hard to come by, it wouldn't surprise me if there's a gradual increase in thefts in key areas...

Well scooter sighting have gone up significantly every week, so it makes sense for people to steal them. A month ago I saw maybe 2 a day if I was lucky. Now I see at least 5 a day. That's not counting the dozens of bicyclists.

Before the thread goes away let me thank you for your posts!

The risk of theft is somewhat reduced in my area. I think in part becuase with so many angry rednecks around, all would-be thieves have to seriously consider how much they want some enlightened commentary thrown their way. You know, like being called dork and/or gay.

But what if you are gay? I am and I never get this insult. "You're on a scooter? You're gay!"

Who says this?

Rednecks. Young guys, loud big pickups, lots of them here. I know...sad and pathetic. It happens on the bike (pedal kind) too.

I does keep some people I know off 2 (small) wheels because they don't need to the harassment and perceived (actual?) safety threat.

scoot theft in las vegas is very high on the 50cc class scoot. one day when i was going to walmart i saw a scoot with 5 chain locks on it.

*raises hand* "I've had one stolen"

For the Seattle-ites, what is the incidence of theft here? I just leave mine parked wherever, no locks or anything. It seems most people where I pass by (downtown, capitol hill, and i work in pioneer square) all do similarly; no locks on scooters. Am I being too trusting?