Bike stolen in Amsterdam? You have to do this right away

A stolen bike in Amsterdam? Unfortunately, it's common. But before you panic, it's good to know what steps you can take to find your bike or report the theft correctly. In this blog, we explain what to do, where to find your bike and how to reduce the risk of theft in the future.

1. Check that your bike has not been removed by the municipality

In Amsterdam, the municipality regularly removes bicycles that are parked incorrectly, stay in one place for too long, or are seen as wrecks. So your bike can go to the Amsterdam Bike Depot were brought instead of being stolen.

Here's how to check if your bike is at the bike depot:

• Go to Verlorenofgevonden.nl and fill in your details.
• Or call the Amsterdam Bike Depot via 020-334 4522.
• You can pick up your bike there yourself or have it delivered for a fee.

Amsterdam Bike Depot Address: Bornhout 8, 1046 BE Amsterdam. Is your bike not in the depot? Then there is a good chance that it was stolen. Time to take action.

‍2. Report it to the police as soon as possible

‍If your bike is really stolen, it is important to report it immediately. This not only helps with detection, but is also necessary if you have insurance.How do you report bike theft?

• Online via Politie.nl with your DigiD.
• By phone via 0900-8844.
• personally at a police station.

Important: When reporting, make sure you provide as many details about your bike as possible, such as the frame number, brand, type and special features (color, accessories, stickers).

‍3. Report your stolen bike to BIKEBAZE

‍In addition to reporting to the police, it is smart to also store your stolen bike in the Bikebaze database to register. This helps detect stolen bicycles and prevents your bike from being resold.Report your bike stolen via BIKEBAZE:

1. Have you already registered your bike? Log in and report your bike stolen.
2. Not registered yet? No problem. You can still add your bike if you know the frame number.

Why you should register your bike with BIKEBAZE:

• Powerful community: With a powerful community that scans SafeTags and looks up frame numbers in our database, your bike is more likely to be recognized and found.
• Prevention with SafeTags: Our special BIKEBAZE SafeTags with unique QR codes make your bike recognisable and less attractive to thieves.
• Combating healing: Registered bicycles are traceable, so buyers can check if a bike has been stolen and give healers less chance.
• Always free registration: Everyone can ride their bike register for free, even if it has already been stolen, as long as the frame number is known.
• Financial benefits & discounts: Discount on bicycle insurance via BIKEBAZE.

4. Check online if your bike is offered

‍Some bike thieves try to quickly resell stolen bikes via platforms such as Marketplace, Facebook Marketplace or used bike shops. Search by bike brand and type and see if a bike matches yours. Did you find a suspicious ad? Then contact the police and do not take any action on your own.

‍5. Contact your insurer

‍If your bike is insured against theft, you can file a claim. Most insurers ask for:

• A copy of your report to the police.
• The frame number of your bike.
• Prove that your bike was locked.

Depending on your insurance, you will receive compensation for a new bike or part of the value back.

‍6. Prevent bike theft in the future

‍Amsterdam is a hotspot for bicycle thieves, but with the right measures, you can make it a lot harder for them:

• Use two locks, including an ART-approved ring lock and a sturdy chain lock.
• Secure your bike to a fixed object, such as a bike rack or pole.
• Register your bike with BIKEBAZE.
• Park in guarded parking facilities, especially at stations and busy areas.

Do you want an extra safe bike? Consider a BIKEBAZE SafeTag, which makes your bike uniquely recognisable and easier to find.

‍Conclusion: Be fast, increase the chances of recovery

‍Has your bike been stolen in Amsterdam? Then take action quickly:

1. Check the Amsterdam Bike Depot via Verlorenofgevonden.nl.
2. Report it to the police (online, over the phone or at the office).
3. Register your stolen bike with BIKEBAZE to facilitate detection.
4. Check online sales platforms to see if your bike is offered.
5. Contact your insurer if your bike was insured.

Do you want to reduce the risk of bicycle theft in the future? Then register your bike with BIKEBAZE and make it more difficult for bike thieves.

‍Register your bike now Bikebaze.nl.