Dealerships offer ways to combat motorcycle theft

Eva Lu (呂翠珊), a student at National Taiwan Normal University, said that she intentionally does not wash her scooter so it will look old and dirty.

"I bought my scooter in 1998," she said. "I only wash it a couple of times a year even though it's getting old now. However, I always keep the engine and gearbox in good shape, but not the appearance. It's sad but that's what I have to do if I don't want it to be stolen."

A professional with the surname Lin said she constantly worries about her new scooter being stolen.

"My dealer suggested I purchase theft insurance when I bought it," she said. "However, I decided not to pay the annual NT$3,000 insurance fee because it is kind of expensive."

Instead, Lin bought a strong lock for her scooter and says that she always spends extra time looking for a safe spot to park.

"I always avoid the first and the last spots in a row of motorbikes," she said, "and if there is a parking area or garage for motorcycles and scooters, that is my preferred place to park."