IT IS only about the size of a 50-cent coin, but a new lock could prevent motorcycle thieves from carting away your prized two-wheeler.
The aluminium cap, designed by three students from Temasek Polytechnic, fits over the ignition keyhole and can be padlocked, preventing crooks from starting the bike.
A prototype of the device is on display today and tomorrow at the polytechnic's Engineering Project Show, but it could soon find its way onto shelves.
Lecturer Christina Ng, who supervised the project, said the police are currently in discussions with the school to manufacture the lock in bulk.
It was designed by students Abdul Rauf Mohamad and Lee Chang Sheng, both 19, and Muhammad Raazmy AB Waud, 20.
The Bedok Police Division commissioned the school to help solve several problems, including a recent rise in motorcycle thefts.
Almost 500 were stolen in the first half of last year and, in many cases, thieves used duplicate keys to make off with the bikes. Mr Abdul Rauf, who is studying mechanical and electronic engineering, said many older bike models have similar ignition keys.
Ms Ng estimated that each lock would cost less than $5 to produce, and could be given out at events to raise awareness of motorcycle theft.
'We have conducted some surveys among motorcyclists,' she said. 'They find it very handy and it's a one-time installation, so they don't mind using it.'
Other projects displayed at the show include a solar-powered can crusher and a table with a trapdoor through which used cutlery can be dropped into a bin below.
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