Report my bike as stolen: How to do it quickly and effectively

Bike theft is a frustrating and common experience. Did you know that more than 750,000 bicycles are stolen every year in the Netherlands? The good news is that you can take steps to find your bike or report a theft correctly. In this article, we explain how to report your bike stolen and increase the chances of getting it back.

1. First, check if your bike has been removed by the municipality

Before you file a report, it is smart to check that your bike has not been accidentally removed by the municipality. Bikes that are parked incorrectly, for example at stations or busy shopping areas, are often brought to a municipal bicycle depot. You can check this via the website Verlorenofgevonden.nl or by contacting your municipality.

2. Gather important information about your bike

When reporting a stolen bike, the following information is essential:

• Frame number: This unique number is often found at the bottom of the frame or on the proof of ownership.
• Brand, type and color: Describe your bike in as much detail as possible.
• Special features: For example, scratches, stickers, an eye-catching lock or accessories such as bicycle bags.
• Bike ship number: If your bike has a chip, this number is also important.

None of this information at hand? Collect as many details as possible that make your bike recognisable.

3. Report it to the police

You can report bicycle theft in various ways:

• Online: Via the police website with your DigiD.
• By phone: Call the police at 0900-8844.
• Personally: Make an appointment to file a report at the police station.

Hint: In addition to the bike details, make sure you also bring a valid ID, such as a passport or ID card. Without a report, your bike cannot be registered in the Bicycle Theft Register.

4. Also report your bike to the BikeBaze database

In addition to reporting it to the police, it is important to report your bike as stolen in the Bikebaze database. BIKEBAZE is the platform for fighting bicycle theft and works with an active community to track stolen bicycles.

👉 Report your bike as stolen via our database:

1. Go to BIKEBAZE Free Bike Registration.
2. Have you already registered your bike? Log in and report your bike stolen.
3. Not registered yet? No problem! You can still add your bike if you know the frame number. Once your bike is registered, you can easily report it stolen.

By reporting your bike to our database, you increase the chances of it being found and discourage healers from reselling your bike.

5. Check online if your bike is offered

Sometimes thieves try to sell stolen bikes quickly online via platforms such as Marketplace whether Facebook Marketplace. Search by brand and type of your bike and see if an offer matches. Do you like your bike? Then contact the police and never take action yourself.

6. Contact your insurer

Do you have bike insurance? Then report the theft to your insurer as soon as possible. A police report is often requested to initiate claims processing. Also check the terms of your insurance; for example, some insurers require that your bike be locked with an ART-approved lock.

How BIKEBAZE helps you with bike theft

At BIKEBAZE, we make reporting a stolen bike easier and increase the chance that your bike will be found. Register your bike in our system for free and use our preventive Safe Tags, so that your bike is always recognisable. We also ensure that your bike is visible in our database, which our community contributes to.

Haven't you registered your bike yet? Don't wait any longer! Even if your bike has already been stolen, you can still register it with the frame number via our free registration page.

Prevent bike theft in the future

Unfortunately, although you can't always prevent a bike from being stolen, you can reduce the chance:

• Always use at least two good locks, including an ART-approved lock.
• Park your bike in a secure bike park or in a busy, well-lit area.
• Register your bike with BIKEBAZE and use a unique SafeTag.

Conclusion: Be fast, be prepared

If your bike has been stolen, acting quickly is essential. First, check whether the municipality has removed your bike, collect your bike details and report it to the police. Remember to register your bike and report it stolen in the BikeBaze database. This increases the chance that your bike will be found and discourages healing.