First Steps: What To Do When Your Bike Gets Stolen

July 16, 2018

Hopefully, your bike will never be stolen, but the reality is it might. Being without your bicycle can be a real bummer if you ride it to work, take it out to exercise or just get in a joy ride now and then.

To help you get your bike back in the unfortunate case that it’s stolen, follow these first steps:

Put the Word Out on Social Media

If you have a picture of your stolen bike, share it on social media. Post on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or whatever social media channels you use. Even if you don’t have a photo, make a post about the theft. Say where and when your bike was stolen, and ask your friends and followers to share.

Report the Theft to Your Local Police

File a police report ASAP. It’s critical you list the stolen bike with your local police department since many stolen cycles eventually end up in police possession. A police report is not a waste of time. If you don’t file a report, your bike might end up in custody of the police, but they will have no way to know it’s yours.

Make an Alert About Your Stolen Bike

Ideally, you’ll register your bike when you buy it. That makes it easier to identify in various databases and physical locations. If you’ve registered your bike with Bike Index, National Cycle Database or the like, it’s time to give them a heads up that your bike has been stolen. Their databases will then be updated so the police or anyone who comes in contact with your bike in the future can check the serial number and see it’s a stolen cycle.

Turn to Kryptonite Keeper

Kryptonite’s anti-theft protection requires bike owners to report a theft to local police within 72 hours. If you don’t have Kryptonite protection for your bicycle, you need to get it before your bike gets stolen or for your new bike after a theft. The Kryptonite Keeper 665 Combo Bike Lock plus Kryptonite’s anti-theft protection services may be your best bets in keeping your bike safe or recovering it after it’s been stolen.

File a Claim with Your Insurance Company

Ideally, you will have an insurance policy for your bike as part of a renter’s or homeowner’s insurance policy. You may even have special bike insurance. After a theft, it’s time to call the insurance company and file a claim. They’ll need a copy of the police report and your proof of purchase. The quicker you file a claim, the faster you’ll be able to get a new bike.

You should also check eBay and craigslist to see if anyone is trying to sell your stolen bike. In the best of circumstances, one of these courses of action will lead to the recovery of your bike. But, it may not. In that case, you’ll have to purchase a new bike.

When you have to buy a new bike, the first thing you should do is check out sixthreezero bikes including our great selection of city and beach bikes for sale. When you’ve found your perfect new bike, the first step to bike protection will be to register bike serial number.

We hope you never lose your bike. But, if you do, we’ve got your back with some comfortable, affordable and enjoyable bikes to ride every day.

Join our Journey Club to uncover new and exciting ride locations around the globe!