The Stolen Bike Checklist: An Action Plan

Discovering your bike has been stolen is a terrible moment, but taking swift and methodical action can make all the difference. This checklist provides a clear, step-by-step guide to what you should do immediately after your bike is stolen to maximise your chances of getting it back.

Step 1: Secure Your Information

The first step is to gather all the crucial details about your bike. The more information you have, the better equipped you’ll be to report it and prove ownership later.

Serial Number: Locate your bike’s serial number. This is the single most important piece of information. It’s usually found on the bottom bracket of the frame.
Detailed Description: Note down the make, model, colour, and frame size.
Unique Features: List any scratches, stickers, accessories, or modifications that make your bike unique. This helps in identification.
Photos: Find any photos you have of your bike. Close-ups of unique features are particularly helpful.
Proof of Purchase: Locate the original receipt or any other proof of ownership. This is essential for both police and insurance claims.

Step 2: Report to the Police

This is a non-negotiable step. Reporting the theft creates an official record and is often a requirement for any insurance claim.

Contact Your Local Law Enforcement: Find the appropriate non-emergency number or online portal for reporting theft in your area. If you witnessed the theft in progress, use the emergency number.
Provide All Details: Give the police everything you’ve gathered in Step 1.
Obtain a Case or Incident Number: Make sure you get an official case or incident number. Write it down and keep it safe. You will need this for all future correspondence.

Step 3: Register Your Bike as Stolen

Using a stolen bike register is a powerful tool that significantly increases the visibility of your stolen bike and acts as a deterrent.

List Your Bike on www.stolenbikeregister.com: Go directly to the website and register your stolen bike. Consider offering a reward to pique interest.
Mark as Stolen: If you had already registered your bike before it was stolen, find your entry and mark it as “stolen.” Add the police case or incident number for verification.
New Registration: If you hadn’t registered your bike, do so now. The serial number is key, but you can still register without it using a detailed description. This centralised database is checked by police, bike shops, and individuals worldwide, vastly increasing the chances of recovery.

Step 4: Leverage the Community and Online Resources

The online community can be your greatest ally. Spreading the word widely can lead to a quick recovery.

Check Online Marketplaces: Start scouring online sites where second-hand bikes are sold, such as Craigslist, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and local selling groups. Thieves often try to sell stolen bikes quickly.
Post on Social Media: Share photos and a description of your stolen bike on your personal social media accounts. Ask friends to share.
Local Cycling Groups: Post about your stolen bike on local cycling club forums and Facebook groups. Cyclists are often a close-knit community and are excellent at spotting stolen bikes.
Use a Template: Create a short, clear post with the following details:
- Headline: “STOLEN BIKE” followed by the make and model.
- Description: All the key details you gathered in Step 1.
- Case/Incident Number: Include the police case or incident number.
- Link: Add a link to your entry on www.stolenbikeregister.com.
- Call to Action: Ask people to share the post and to contact the police if they spot it.

Step 5: Notify Relevant Parties

Make sure everyone who might be able to help is aware of the theft.

Inform Your Insurer: If you have bike insurance, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to start the claim process. You will need your police case or incident number.
Local Bike Shops: Inform local bike shops and pawn shops. They are often the first place a thief might try to sell a stolen bike and can be crucial allies.

Step 6: What to Do If You Find It

It’s an exciting moment, but a potentially dangerous one.

DO NOT Confront: Never, ever approach or confront someone you suspect has your stolen bike.
Call the Police: Immediately contact your local law enforcement agency.
Provide Details: Tell the police exactly where you’ve seen the bike and who has it.
Use Your Records: Refer to your case or incident number and your entry on www.stolenbikeregister.com to prove ownership.

By following this checklist, you are taking all the right steps to give yourself the best possible chance of being recovering your bike.

Bike Security How To & Guides