Bicycles are one of the most common and popular ways to travel today. We can go anywhere by bicycle, across the city, village or town, we can do shopping and other errands, we can ride to work, home or to visit friends, or simply go on a short trip. The trend of active and healthy living has encouraged an increase in the number of cyclists in traffic, and with this, the number of bicycle thefts has also increased.
Bicycles are the most common category of stolen vehicles because they are valuable and very light. No matter how thick chains are used to secure the bike, thieves will always find a way to steal it. In the worst case scenario, they will take parts such as the seat, pedals, front/rear wheel, lights, etc. If your bike has been stolen, you should react quickly and start looking for it in the surrounding area. It is very common for the bike to be found relatively close by before it is sold on.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR BICYCLE FROM THEFT?
If your bike has already been stolen and you haven’t gotten it back, there’s unfortunately not much you can do. However, we recommend protecting your bike for the future by installing a Trackimo GPS tracking device on your bike.
Installing a tracking device will not prevent your bike from being stolen, but it will provide you with the exact location of the item, which you can provide to the police. The Trackimo tracking device also contains a sensor that sends a notification to your device (mobile device or computer) the moment the item starts moving. This way, when the bad guys are at work, you will know where your bike is and when they have taken your property.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR BIKE IS STOLEN?
If you have been a victim of bicycle theft, we advise the following:
1. REPORT TO THE POLICE
The first step is always to report to the police. Make sure you have a photo of your bike saved, or better yet, that you are in the photo. In addition to the photo, you will need to include a detailed description and the serial number of the bike. If you don’t have a written down serial number and photo of your bike, do it now. You won’t regret it.
If you had a Trackimo tracking device installed, please also provide information about the location of your bike and the time you received notification of your bike’s movement. Accurate information will lead to a quick solution and you will most likely get your bike back on the first day.
2. CREATE FLYERS
Print flyers with a photo of your bike, your phone number, and a request to call you if they see it. It’s a good idea to highlight details or features of the bike that make it unique and recognizable. This includes scratches, decals, damage, custom paint, unique design, etc.
3. USE SOCIAL MEDIA
Similar to flyers, post a picture of your bike online with your contact information and mention it. Ask your friends and acquaintances to share your post so it can reach a wider audience.
4. CHECK THE ADVERTISEMENTS
Check various websites such as Bolha, LetGo, Facebook or forums where users sell used items. There is a high probability that your bike will appear on one of these online portals.
5. VISIT PAWN SHOPS AND LOCAL BIKE DEALERS
Thieves will likely sell your bike to various local pawn shops and smaller bike shops. Visit local shops, repair shops, and other locations that sell and service bikes. It’s okay to mention your stolen bike to the dealer and arrange for them to contact you if they come across your bike. It’s also a good idea to ask them if you can put up a flyer inside the shop or on a bulletin board to let customers know.
6. INSURANCE COMPANIES
Another option is to insure your bike with an insurance company. In this case, you can insure your bike against theft and receive a refund in the event of loss of your bike due to theft. However, we advise you to read the contract carefully, as it may not be worth insuring your bike based on the solution they will offer you.
We hope that the above tips have helped you recover your stolen bike. But remember, the most important thing to quickly recover your bike is to react quickly and actively the moment you learn that your bike has been stolen.
