A SURGE in the number of trail bikes being stolen from Ipswich properties has prompted warnings from Ipswich police.

Ipswich district crime manager Acting Senior Sergeant Greg Smith said Springfield Lakes and Brassall had been among the worst-hit suburbs recently.

"We are seeing the occasional one where the bikes are already on the trailer and the offenders simply back the car in and tow the whole trailer away," Snr Sgt Smith said.

"The most common way is to break into the shed or garage and push the bike away.

"There have been more than 30 off-road motorcycles stolen in the Ipswich district so far this year, ranging from the smaller kids' bikes to top of the range full-size ones.

"Some of these bikes are worth in excess of $10,000."

Police have urged motorcycle owners to keep records of their vehicle's engine and chassis numbers so that, in the event that the bike is stolen, there is a much better chance of it being located.

The chassis number is also known as a vehicle identification number or VIN.

"Without these numbers to work with, police will find it virtually impossible to locate a stolen off-road motorcycle," Snr Sgt Smith said.

RACQ vehicle theft researcher Russell Manning said there had been a 15% increase in motorcycle theft across the country in the past five years.

"Even more significant is the fact that 60% of those stolen bikes are never recovered," Mr Manning said.

"The reasons for this are obvious: bikes are easily broken down and sold for parts - there's quite a high demand for them - and they are easily stored."

Despite significant advancements in car security technology in the past 20 years, the same can't be said for motorcycle security.

"It's still pretty easy for two blokes to lift the back wheel of a trail bike and roll it up onto a trailer," Mr Manning said.

Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.