The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is urging motorcycle owners to take steps to secure their bikes in the wake of recent thefts.

Deputies are investigating the reported thefts of five sport racing-style motorcycles from condominium and apartment complexes in Collier County since September. Most of the complexes were located on or near major roadways near Interstate 75. Evidence indicates that the motorcycles are being dragged and then loaded into a larger vehicle.

CCSO offers these tips to help prevent motorcycle thefts:

• If possible, keep your motorcycle secured in a garage or storage building.

• Try to block your bike in with another object such as a car.

• Invest in a specially designed motorcycle locking device or wheel boot-type of lock to secure your bike. There are many types and brands of locks available through various retail outlets. Most are designed to immobilize the bike to prevent theft. Some devices are portable enough to take with you on the road.

• Never leave your keys in your bike. Remove your keys and lock the ignition and front forks when the bike is not in use.

• Whether you’re at home or away, lock your bike to a fixed object, if possible.

• Invest in an alarm system for your bike.

• At night, park as close to a street light as possible. In a public parking lot, look for a location that has a high volume of pedestrian traffic and is under video surveillance.

• If you live in an apartment complex or a rental property, discuss the installation of motorcycle ground anchors with the property owner. These devices are designed to be anchored into asphalt, concrete paving products or a building via chains or other locking devices.

For more motorcycle safety tips, contact the Collier County Sheriff’s Office’s Crime Prevention Section at 239-252-0700.

Anyone with information on the recent motorcycle thefts is asked to call the Collier County Sheriff’s Office at 774-4434, or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780- TIPS (8477)