What To Do If Your Bike Is Stolen

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First of all, if your bike has been stolen, I want you to know you’re not alone. Sadly. It happened to me back in 2014, just 2 weeks away from me taking part in The London Duathlon.

Thankfully, a friend lent me her road bike for the event and I did eventually get myself another bike (my first road bike, instead of a hybrid) and I vowed to do my best to prevent this from happening again.

These days, I typically don’t take my bike anywhere that I need to leave it locked up outdoors. There was even a point I kept my bike locked to my bed in my flat.

If you’re here because your bike has been stolen, then read on for what to do in the hopes of recovering it. Yes, chances are slim, but it’s possible. If you’ve not been so unfortunate, then let’s try and keep it that way. Here are some posts about bike security and insurance:

My Stolen Bike Story

On Tuesday 2nd September 2014, I scolded myself for feeling lazy and wanting to take the bus into town to teach. I self talked myself into feeling positive about cycling that evening. After all, it was a nice evening for the 30 minute casual ride to the Nike Store in Covent Garden.

I started to lock my bike up on the orange railings outside the store but then decided to lift my bike over the railings for a little extra security. I was there for ages fumbling around to ensure I locked it up properly. This was at approx 18:05 – 18:10.

Out of nowhere, a guy came up from behind me and said “Hey, you okay?”. My response was of course “yeah I’m good thanks!” and that was that. I felt a little uncomfortable with the encounter and removed my rucksack to check if he had pick pocketed me, which he hadn’t. Anyway, I went into store, met the ladies for class, ran the class and came back to the store for a stretch.

Out of nowhere, I had a gut feeling that my bike was not going to be there. Mid stretch, I stepped around the corner and had my worse fears confirmed. All that was left was my D lock and the end of the wire lock which had clearly been cut with a bolt cutter.

He must’ve been in a hurry (obviously) and ended up knocking over another bike locked up next to mine in his (successful) attempt to steal my bike. I was kinda surprised that he got away with this and no one saw a thing in the middle of Covent Garden. I mean, he looked dodgy, he had a bolt cutter, he must’ve had to release the front wheel…

Report Your Stolen Bike

First up, log your bike as stolen on bikeregister.com. Mark as stolen and include the frame number if you know it. Sadly, the Stolen Bike website closed in 2024, but they recommend to report your bike stolen on Immobilise.

Share images and details of your bike on social media sites like Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Local Facebook groups or WhatsApp groups would be a good place to raise awareness.

Ask friends to share your post too, to help spread the word. If your bike is distinctive in some way, it’ll be even easier for others to spot.

Set Up Alerts on Marketplaces

You used to be able to set up alerts on Find That Bike, but as they were owned by the same guy running Stolen Bike, that site is also now closed.

Gumtree, eBay and Preloved are marketplaces which you should do searches and set up alerts for bikes that meet the specification of your bile. Then set up separate alerts on Shpock. Keep a good eye out on Facebook Marketplace too.

I’ve also been told that Cash Converters often have high end bikes for sale so it may be worth a look on their website. Nextdoor Neighbourhood app is another good resource to use to share information about your stolen bike.

Last but not least, someone in a FB group shared this great idea:

In addition to above, pretend to want the same make of bike but don’t include too many details and put a wanted post on Marketplace. With a bit of luck, you may be offered your bike! – Fran

Inform The Police

If it’s not an emergency, then you can report your stolen bike to the police via 101 or the report crime form online. Let them know if you see it for sale, arrange to buy it then ask them to come with you to recover it. They don’t always have the resources, but sometimes they do this.

In my case, the police did come over to my place to dust the lock for prints but I guess that didn’t come up with anything. If you have insurance, you’ll most likely need the crime reference number in order to make a claim.

I’ve also been informed that recovered (and unclaimed) bikes end up at Wilson’s Auctions after a period of time so keep an eye out on their website.

The recovery rate for stolen bicycles is just 4%. But someone has to be in that 4% right?! Sadly, it wasn’t me on that occasion back in 2014 although I did hold out hope for quite some time!

Here are some of the positive vibes and wise words that were shared with me

Whether its a £40 run around or a £2000 performance bike its still crushing

I still keep an eye out my stolen bike 15+ years on…. and still miss it

It’s both the loss and the guilt that gets to you. “If only I did / didn’t,had / hadn’t”. You’re (very) human.

It’s often seen as “oh its just a bike” but if it was their car that was stolen you can be sure it would be a huge deal

Got mine back at brick lane… go there and steal it back!

It was also unfortunate that my bike was uninsured. That’s a tough lesson but what’s done is done.

Hopefully, you learn from my mistake and insure your bike now. Also, invest in THE best locks you can afford, register / mark / label your bike – do everything, and anything possible to prevent this happening to you!

And, GOOD LUCK!

Elle