Is bike theft a problem in Ecuador and Peru?
 

I'll be buying a modest dual-purpose bike in Ecuador in a month or so and riding through there and Peru. I am wondering if anyone has had any problems with theft in those areas, (bike or other equipment).

If it is a problem perhaps someone could comment on the best way to prevent it.

Thank you!
MotoQuito

I have no firsthand knowledge of theft in either Ecuador or Peru, other than the laundry in Canoa has a pair of my expensive wool socks. But then again, around the world, most socks disappear in the laundry, so its not specific to Ecuador.

I was in Ecuador 10 weeks, in Peru presently for nearly 4 weeks. No theft problems personally, but I hear stories from the hostels, the motorcycle mechanics and dealers that other international travelers have had theft problems. None of the locals I have met, hung out with, leave their bikes unattended, or unlocked on the streets. They are all aware of theft issues, so do as the locals do - lock it up or park it in an attended lot, and don't leave anything on it.

so, a couple of my personal rules.
never ever leave your bike more than a few minutes unattended unless you are in a secure parking lot (where there's private security walking around, a gate to get out of). Park the bike where the attendants are sitting - they'll keep an eye on it. Even then, I lock the steering so they can't easily roll it away.

never ever leave your stuff sitting on the bike for more than a few minutes unattended. I travel solo and have to run into hotels and other places - but only for a minute or two. And never in a dodgy looking area - I'll ride on and find a classier hotel in a better neighborhood if I have to.

In Macapa on the border some low life tried to hot wire my bike despite it being chained to a BUILDING!!

Theft happens, unattended stuff soon finds its way back into the food chain, but its no more of a problem there than say.......London.

In cities/towns in Peru you'll always find a place to park that has some security (look for Playa, Parqueo, Garaje or Cochera) but still lock it up.

just spent 3 weeks in peru and had no theft problems................ we always found off street parking with posh hotels. hostels and other overnght places that i dont really know what to call, in the large towns and small villages......... the hosts always bent over backwards to find us a place to park the bikes.... some were sometimes a short walk away from the places......... we had no security locks apart from the stearing locks........ we even left the hard panniers on some nights....... the only place i was a bit nervous about was puno, because there seemd to be a strange atmosphere there as regards to us on bikes, probably just my paranoia though at the time........ i got the impression of utopia in all the out of the way villages, but i spose you can never be too careful though...... i live in london and wouldnt dream of leaving my bike anywhere like i left in peru........ i miss peru !