If you’re reading this, you’re likely in a frustrating situation: “My bike was stolen!” Don’t worry, we’re here to help you take action and get your beloved bike back! In this article, we will provide you with practical tips and steps to deal with this situation. So, take a deep breath and pay attention, let’s try to get that bike back together!
Index
According to the latest 2022 Bicycle Barometer study, one of the largest studies in Spain on this great vehicle, 17.8% of Spanish cyclists have had their bicycle stolen in the last 5 years. It is striking that 5% of users (of that 17.8%) were robbed more than once. That’s already a lot of bad luck! If you belong to that percentage, you can’t miss our tips.
My bike was stolen: here's what you should do
In the legendary Italian filmBicycle thief, a film that we recommend from Ossby, Antonio was an unemployed post-war man who finds work pasting posters. However, on the first day of work his bicycle is stolen, taking the protagonist to tour the entire town, follow the alleged thief to a soup kitchen and even go to a psychic!
Luckily, if it has happened to you, finding out where it is through a crystal ball is not necessary if you know how to do things right.
1. Go to the police: report the theft
Many of the people who have their bicycles stolen do not report the theft to the authorities. However, how do you intend to find it if you do not notify it at the police station? To heal yourself, go quickly to your nearest police office and report it. You’ll be surprised to learn that The police find them more often than you think. Likewise, if you have insurance, a police report is the first requirement to obtain coverage.
Make sure you have all the necessary information about your bike. This includes details such as color, proof of purchase, model, serial or VIN number, and anything else that can help identify it. The more information you provide, the better.
Reporting the theft of the bicycle is a step that many omit, without knowing that it can be key to recover it.
2. Explore the area
Although many of the thieves steal them and then sell them or even dismantle them, others do it for pure leisure (and for not buying one, basically). In this case, you can take a walk around the area to check if the broken lock is somewhere or even if the bike is parked on a corner. Asking at establishments located nearby is also useful, especially if they have security cameras.
3. Ask for help on social networks
Social media serves much more than getting likes and posting photos drinking beers. In fact, you’d be surprised how many people have gotten a roommate, found an owner for that pet up for adoption, or especially found their stolen bike.
You can invoke the Magic of Twitter (or X as it’s called now), post a photo on Instagram stories or on your Facebook wall and allow your friends to share it. Maybe in a few hours, you will receive a photo of someone who has seen it and that will allow you to stop the search.
4. Visit markets and second-hand shops
Sadly, thieves often (or rather many times) try to sell stolen bikes on second-hand markets. Take some time to visit these places and look for your bike. If you have a detailed description and photos with you, it will be easier for the store team to identify it among other bikes.
5. Check out platforms or apps for selling items between individuals
As in the previous case, the thieves try to sell stolen bicycles online, since it is much simpler. Therefore, it is a good idea to regularly check buying and selling websites, applications such as Wallapop or advertising boards. If you see a bike that matches yours, report it to the authorities immediately.
6. Don't lose hope, don't give up
The search for your stolen bike can take time and can leave you feeling high. However, it is important to remain hopeful and not give up. There are many stories of people who have recovered their bikes even after months of searching. Your persistence may pay off!
How to prevent the theft of your bicycle
“Better safe than sorry” is a well-known saying that we also do not always apply to the letter. In any case, don’t worry! Surely this first scare will lead you to take measures in the future so that it does not happen again. These are the best recommendations:
Dial your bike ID number
One of the best ways to prevent the theft of your bicycle (or at least, speed up the process) is to get an identification marking. How? Currently different companies offer a twelve-digit identification number marked in the identification box. This number allows you to link the bike with your personal data through an internal system that helps the police recognize and return it to its owner.
Using a high-security padlock, a classic
Get a padlock, but not just any one. Although the most robust U-shaped or horseshoe-shaped locks are the most consumed, we recommend using two locks: a main and robust one for the frame and rear wheel, and a second spiral one for the front wheel. In addition, we recommend padlocking it in strategic places: branches where there is a security camera in sight, or in areas that are neither too crowded nor too quiet.
Blessed technology
Especially if you have an e-bike, there are new anti-theft devices focused on the location of your bike through GPS in case of theft. Generally, these are GPS locators inserted through a SIM card and connected to your own app that allows you to control where it is located. It does not promise magic solutions, but it is a good complement to the lock and other gadgets for bikes.
Get a folding bike
New needs require new alternatives. And at a time when mobility is readapting to new scenarios and drivers, a folding bike becomes the best bet. Far from being a simple fad, folding bikes are here to stay and promise the best anti-theft solution: being able to take them with you anywhere without having to lock it. Are you going to class? Keep it at the ticket office or concierge! Are you staying working on your favorite café? There will be no problem in storing it in any corner. Your folding bike will always be under your supervision, and you won’t have to worry about those who love other people’s things.
Where do they steal the most bicycles in Spain?
The study we talked about before also gives us a clue as to where more incidents occur. Bike thefts occur more in large cities than in medium-sized or small ones. And specifically, the cities of Barcelona and Valencia are where there are more bicycle thefts, since up to a third of the users interviewed have had their bike stolen in the last five years.
