Bicycle stolen: what you can do now

Bicycle stolen: important steps

If your bike has been stolen, you should definitely report it to the police.

The insurance only pays when there is a notification.
To do this, either dial 110 or go directly to a police station.
In the next step, you should inform your household insurance company about the theft as soon as possible. This covers the costs as long as the bicycle has been stolen from the basement, garden, house or garage.
Sometimes theft occurs when the thief needs a quick ride. In this case, the bike may be closer.
Therefore, you should pay attention over several weeks and months to whether your bike may not appear in the vicinity.
With the help of leaflets and advertisements in newspapers and the Internet, you can also call on your fellow citizens to look out or give you information about your bike.
Also ask at the lost property office at regular intervals. Maybe your bike was found and dropped off there.
If your bike actually shows up again, you must not take it directly. In the meantime, an ignorant person could have legally purchased the bike. In this case, turn on the police.

Report the theft to the police and some questions may arise.

So the police need a very precise description of your bike. You must describe the make, model and color of the saddle and frame. The police also need the frame size, frame number and a description of special features on the bell, saddle or bicycle basket.
The frame number is particularly important. Because only with this is it possible for the police to assign the bike to the owner. Depending on the brand, this can be found at other locations on the bike.
Check the handlebars, frame, rear saddle, rear wheel and bottom bracket.
Ask the manufacturer if you cannot find the number and it is best to write it down in advance or if you buy a new bike after theft.

Insurance only pays for bicycle theft under certain conditions.

It will take some time before you receive the money from your home insurance.
In any case, you must give your insurance company a written notice including confirmation of the police report within three weeks of taking out the insurance cover.
If your bike has been stolen in a public place such as the train station or the pedestrian zone, the household contents insurance will not cover the damage. For this you need additional insurance against bicycle theft.
When taking out such insurance, pay attention to the small print. Insurance companies often only pay if the bike is secured with a good lock.

Have you found your stolen bike again or bought a new one? In the next post you will read whether listening to music while cycling is allowed.