1. Report the theft to the police
As a matter of urgency, report the bike as stolen to the police.
What to provide
Whilst it’s possible to report your stolen bike by phone and in some cases online, it can be more beneficial to go into your local police station.
Provide as much detail as possible, the more the better, including:
- Exact details about the theft (where/when/how)
- Frame number, bike make/type, parts and unique features
- Photos of the bike
Whilst you may think the odds are against you, the police actually recover a lot of bikes. But one thing they find incredibly hard is tracking down the bike owner. This is because the owner has either not reported it or provided enough information (this also links into the point below regarding ‘bike registration companies’). As an important bonus, by reporting a crime you are ensuring that national and local crime statistics are accurate; this ultimately ensures the true picture is seen and can have the correct allocation of resource.
Take a note of your crime reference number and keep the case updated with any new details. If you have cycle insurance, you will need this reference. Some lock companies, such as Kryptonite, may offer a theft protection policy and they will also require the crime reference number.
Help the police
- CCTV
If CCTV was at the location, try to gain it (approach the nearby shop or facility security for the footage).
- GPS
If you were lucky enough to have a GPS tracker hidden on your bike, keep an eye on the data and provide this information to the police.
- Witnesses
Is there a shop overlooking the bike rack?
Are there fellow cyclists who park their bikes at the same rack every day that might have seen something?
Does your residential development have a maintenance team who may have seen something? While you are there, do warn others to be extra vigilant as it is common for thieves to target the same area.
- Flyers
Even though this is slightly old fashioned, if stolen from a public place or a residential development, do put flyers up with the bike details and theft details, in the hope that someone witnessed the crime. Also approach cycle clubs and bike shops.
- Community
See the point below to ensure you get fellow cyclists involved in helping you.
If your bike is spotted by yourself or a member of the public, do not meet the seller directly, always contact the police on 101.
If it was spotted online and you or someone else has sourced the seller’s address, phone number or a meeting date/time (public meeting place) hand this over to the police. Also any online bike advert screenshots or hard copies. Do convince the police that the bike is unquestionably yours.
Extra tip: If you are on Twitter, @MetCC and @MetCycleCops are responsive London police accounts.
