How Do I Get My Stolen Bike Back?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,
  1. Contact the police. If your bike is stolen, you’ll need to file a police report. …
  2. Register your bike. Even if you didn’t register your bike before it was stolen, you can do so after. …
  3. Alert local pawn shops. …
  4. Check local ads.

What to do if you find the person who stole your bike?


Report the crime to police either in person, online or via the non-emergency number, obtain a crime reference number and contact your insurer

. Fire up the 529 Garage, find (or register) your bike then press the alert button.

What type of bikes get stolen most?

The most commonly-stolen type of bike is an

unlocked one

, followed closely by one locked with a cable.

Can the police find my stolen bike?

Reporting a Stolen Bike to Police


Providing as much detail as possible will increase your chances of finding your bike

. Once your report is filed, the police will provide you with written evidence of your report. This will come in the form of a crime reference number.

Do police sell stolen bikes?

What can you buy at police auctions?

There’s a huge variety of stolen goods for sale at police auctions

. They can typically include cheap cars, bikes and other types of vehicles, as well as jewellery, designer clothes, house tools, cameras and pretty much anything else you can think of.

Why do people steal bikes?

Acquisitive: These thieves steal bicycles

for financial gain

and usually trade them for cash or goods. The bikes may also be sold in pieces for drugs or money.

How do I confront someone who stole my bike?


File a Police Report and Insurance Claim

When your bike is stolen, make sure to file a police report immediately. Otherwise, you would not be helping the situation. Get pictures of your bike ready. You will also file an insurance claim if the bike is insured.

Should you report attempted bike theft?

If you have been a victim of a bicycle theft then

in the first instance you should report it to the police

. Typically, the easiest way would be to report it would be as a non-urgent crime by dialling 101. However, if possible, we always suggest that you report the theft in person at your local police station.

Do cheap bikes get stolen?

In answer to the original question.

Any bike , cheap, expensive or otherwise will get pinched if the owner has given a thief half a chance

.

Are bikes stolen often?


Regularly, more than 2 million bikes are stolen each year in North America

—meaning every 30 seconds, someone’s ride was going missing. And the problem has only been growing during the coronavirus pandemic, when more people have turned to bicycles as their main mode of transportation.

How common is bicycle theft in the UK?

UK USA Average Value of Stolen Bike £348 $724 Number of Reported Thefts in the Capital in 2020 21,745

4,477

% Of Thefts Reported to The Police Each Year (average)

19% 20%
% of Stolen Bikes Returned to Owners Each Year 5% 5%

Why are bikes so easy to steal?

Steering locks, alarm systems, and key fobs are, in most cases, the best a motorcycle manufacturer can do. The rest is up to you. In addition,

motorcycles are simply physically easier to steal than cars

. Two wheels are easier to move than four; there’s no need to break windows or come up with elaborate lock picks.

Should you confront thieves?


It’s important to confront the person about their theft, even if doing so is difficult

. After you talk to your family member, you can take steps to prevent them from stealing from you again and repair the emotional damage of the betrayal.

How can I make my bike look less expensive?


Electrical tape or old innertube wrapped around the frame tubes to cover logos

makes the bike look tatty and is a good bike theft deterrent. A great way to prevent your best bike being stolen is to leave that at home and commute on something cheaper: a ‘hack bike’.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.