HONOLULU -- Authorities broke up a big motorcycle theft ring on Oahu this week with seven people indicted for stealing more than 100 motorcycles.

A representative of one insurance company says auto theft and fraud cost Hawaii drivers hundreds of dollars each every year.

Police call it a well-organized theft ring that stole 136 motorcycles on Oahu worth more than $500,000. A grand jury indicted seven people Wednesday.

"You and I are all paying for the results of this kind of illegal activity," said Carolyn Fujioka, the public affairs director for State Farm Insurance in Hawaii. State Farm is the second-largest auto insurer in the state.

"It's estimated that we pay, every one of us that pays auto insurance pays 200 to 300 dollars a year because of this illegal activity," said Fujioka.

She encouraged people who know about insurance fraud to report it to their insurance company, anything from staged auto accidents to faked auto losses or inflated medical and repair bills from accidents.

And if you know about an auto or motorcycle theft operation or chop shop, she recommends telling the authorities or your insurance company.

"You should contact law enforcement or the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the website, there's a place where you can report it anonymously, in some cases, there may even be reward money," Fujioka said.

The NICB offers cash rewards to tipsters who can remain anonymous, she said. You can call the NICB toll free at 1-800-835-6422 or go to their website at www.nicb.org.

She said all auto owners should guard against theft by parking in well-lit areas. Motorcycle owners should lock their vehicles, even when they're in storage, and motor bike owners should consider installing alarm systems.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau said people looking to buy motorcycles should be wary of used cycles titled or registered as “assembled vehicles.” If possible, have your insurer inspect the vehicle prior to buying it.

Prospective buyers should also verify that a previously-driven motorcycle titled and registered as a Harley-Dadison or other popular brand name is not an assembled clone made from aftermarket components.

They should also watch for cycles alleged to be “all custom.” They could be assembled from stolen or altered parts, especially chrome components, the NICB said.