Bike stolen? How to report it to the police and increase the chance of recovery

You step outside, look at the place where you parked your bike… and it is gone. That moment of disbelief, followed by frustration, is something many cyclists know all too well. Your bike has been stolen. What now?

Acting quickly is crucial. In the Netherlands, you can report a stolen bike to the police in three ways: online via politie.nl (the fastest option, using DigiD), by phone via 0900-8844, or by making an appointment at a police station. For a successful report, you always need the bike’s unique frame number, the brand, and a clear description.

Once the initial shock has passed, take a deep breath. This practical step by step guide explains exactly what to do according to Dutch regulations.

Step 0: First check if your bike was actually stolen

Before contacting the police, there is one important check to make. Sometimes a bike is not stolen, but removed by the municipality.

Was your bike parked incorrectly, near a train station, or left in the same spot for too long as a so called abandoned bike? In that case, it may have been taken to a municipal bike depot. Check the website of your local municipality or search online for “fiets weg” or “fietsdepot” together with your city name.

In large cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht, incorrectly parked bikes are often moved to a bike depot. If your bike is not listed there, then unfortunately it is very likely stolen.

Step 1: Collect all identifying details (your frame number is gold)

A report like “it was a black city bike” is not very helpful. There are millions of those. To recover your bike or claim insurance, you need specific details.

• The frame number: This is the unique identifier of your bike, comparable to a fingerprint. It is usually engraved into the frame, often underneath the bottom bracket. Without this number, the police cannot register the bike as stolen in the national Stop Heling system.
• Brand and model: For example Gazelle Esprit, Cortina U4, or VanMoof S3.
• Color and distinctive features: Think of a specific saddle, visible damage, a child seat, panniers, or stickers.
• Chip number or engraving: If your bike has an anti theft chip or postcode engraving, include these details as well.

Tip from BIKEBAZE: If you registered your bike for free with BIKEBAZE, all these details are already stored in your profile. No searching through old emails or paperwork needed.

Step 2: Choose how to file a police report

There are three ways to report bike theft in the Netherlands. If violence was involved, always call 112 immediately or 0900-8844.

For standard bike theft, you can choose one of the following options:

1. Online (strongly recommended): Go to politie.nl and log in with DigiD. This is the fastest and most common option and is available 24/7.
2. By phone: Call 0900-8844 (non emergency police). Be aware that waiting times can be long and you may still be advised to file the report online if you have DigiD.‍
3. At a police station: If you prefer to speak to someone in person, you must first make an appointment by calling 0900-8844.

Step 3: Why reporting matters, even if it feels pointless

You might think reporting theft does not help. We understand that feeling. Still, filing a report is essential for several reasons:

• Insurance claims: If your bike is insured, the insurer will only pay out if you provide an official police report.‍
• National registration systems: After your report, the frame number is added to Stopheling.nl. Bike shops and second hand dealers are legally required to check this database. If your bike is not listed, it can be resold much more easily.‍
• Recovery: Police regularly intercept vans full of stolen bikes or dismantle fencing networks. Only bikes with registered frame numbers can be linked back to their owners.

Report done. Now activate the power of the community

You have done your part with the police. Now it is time to involve the community. At BIKEBAZE, we do not believe in passive waiting.

1. Mark your bike as stolen on BIKEBAZE: If you have an account, change the status of your bike to “stolen”. This is free and only takes a minute.‍
2. Let the community help: When your bike is marked as stolen, it becomes visible to others. If someone scans a SafeTag or checks a frame number, they will see that the bike is stolen and can contact you or BIKEBAZE directly.‍
3. Share the report: Post the details on your own social media and local neighborhood groups like WhatsApp or Facebook. More eyes mean a higher chance of recovery.

Prevention is better than cure. Make theft less attractive

Losing your bike is frustrating. For your next bike or if your bike is recovered, prevention is key. Thieves always choose the easiest target.

• Use ART approved locks: Most insurers require at least an ART 2 star lock. Ideally, use two locks and always secure your bike to a fixed object.
• Register your bike: Registration with BIKEBAZE is free. A registered bike is harder to sell and easier to trace. Register your bike today for free.
• Use a SafeTag: SafeTags are highly visible, tamper resistant anti theft stickers from BIKEBAZE. They clearly signal that the bike is registered and traceable. This increases risk for thieves and makes the bike less attractive to resell. If a bike with a SafeTag is found, anyone can scan the tag to see that it is stolen and get in touch without complicated procedures. SafeTags cost a one time fee of €9.99.

Ready to stand stronger against bike theft? Do not wait until it is too late. Register your bike for free with BIKEBAZE and join a community that actively fights bike theft. Together, we make life much harder for thieves.

Frequently asked questions about bike theft and BIKEBAZE

1. Why is the frame number so important when a bike is stolen?

The frame number is the only unique identifier that cannot be removed without leaving traces. Without it, the police cannot register your bike as stolen in Stopheling.nl, making legal proof of ownership extremely difficult.

2. Why should I also report my bike as stolen on BIKEBAZE if I already contacted the police?

Police capacity is limited. BIKEBAZE activates the community and increases visibility, which significantly improves the chance that someone recognizes or scans your bike.

3. What are SafeTags and how do they help prevent bike theft?

SafeTags are highly visible, hard to remove anti theft stickers. They work preventively by warning thieves that the bike is registered. If the bike is recovered, scanning the tag instantly shows its stolen status and connects the finder with the owner or BIKEBAZE.