Bikers are being urged to fit a tracking device onto their vehicles as a bid to take extra safety precautions during the recession.

According to recent research, the number of bike thefts has increased during the downturn of the economy.

By fitting a tracking device on the vehicle, bike owners will not only see their bike insurance premiums fall, but the chances of having their vehicle recovered will be much higher.

Recently, a pizza deliver scooter was stolen on North London and dumped in a wooded area near the M1.

It was later recovered after the Metropolitan, Hertfordshire and Surrey police forces, who were all involved in the search, found the vehicle as it had a tracking device.

Stuart Chapman, the police relationships manager of Tracker said: "Thieves need to be aware that our system is fitted to many motorcycles, not just high value motor cars.

"Through the use of very high frequency technology (VHF), it is highly effective in taking police right to the location of a stolen motor bike, as this case proves."

Sergeant Rob Squire from Metropolitan Road Policing Unit said: "Off-roading is a nuisance that causes considerable distress and annoyance for communities and is also dangerous for those who use the machines, often with no training or safety gear. Plus these activities endanger other members of the public who are in the vicinity."