Bike stolen? How to report it to the police (and what else you can do)

A stolen bike: it happens to hundreds of thousands of people in the Netherlands every year. Whether you ride a simple city bike or an expensive e-bike, it is always frustrating. Fortunately, it is easy to report your stolen bike to the police. After that, there are a few smart steps that increase your chances of getting it back and better protect your next bike.

In this article you will read:

• Why filing a police report matters
• How to file a report quickly (online or at the police station)
• What you should not forget after filing your report
• How BIKEBAZE helps with registration, recognition and prevention

Why report it to the police?

Filing a police report is a crucial step, for several reasons:

• You officially declare that your bike has been stolen
  This helps the police return bikes to their rightful owners.
• Insurers ask for a police report
  Without a report you often cannot file a claim.
• You help with data analysis and prevention
  Municipalities and investigative services use reports to map bike theft.

How do you report a stolen bike?

There are two ways to file a report:

1. Online via politie.nl: what do you need and what should you look out for?

You can file a report online via politie.nl, but there are a few important conditions and steps:

First check whether your bike may have been removed by the municipality.
Before filing a report, check that your bike has not been taken away by the municipality for wrong or long-term parking. Many municipalities take removed bikes to a bicycle depot.
See the available bicycle depots here.

Conditions for reporting bike theft online:
You can only file a report online if the following conditions are met:

• No violence was used against you or anyone else
• The bike was not stolen from a home, shed, storage unit or garage that is accessible through a home
• The theft happened less than a year ago

Don't meet these conditions? While filling in the form you will automatically be redirected to a different report form, or you will be told to call 0900-8844 or to file a report in person at the police station.

Details you need for the report:

• Your bike's frame number
  (Tip: if your bike is registered with BIKEBAZE, you can find it in your profile)
• Brand, model and colour of the bike
• Location, date and time of the theft
• Any distinctive features (such as accessories, a crate, a child seat or damage)

You also need your DigiD to file a report online, so make sure you have it at hand before you start.

2. In person at the police station

Make an appointment at a station near you and bring your details. Useful if you want help or don't have a DigiD.

After filing your report you will receive a confirmation. Keep it safe for your own records or your insurer.

What can you do after filing a report?

Many people stop here, but the steps after your report are crucial. You can actively help with recognition, tracing and prevention:

Also report your bike as stolen on BIKEBAZE

Haven't registered your bike yet? Do it now at www.bikebaze.nl.
You can add your bike to the database and immediately mark it as stolen. That way others (such as bike park managers, municipalities or buyers) know this bike is no longer in your possession and is actively being searched for.

Registration is free and helps you:

• Prove ownership
• Find your bike again if someone finds and reports it
• Prevent fraud and the trade in stolen goods

Next bike? Register it and protect it with a SafeTag

Unfortunately can't find your stolen bike? Then this is the moment to prepare your next bike properly:

• Register it straight away for free in the database
• Protect it with an eye-catching SafeTag sticker

This sticker is tamper-proof, uniquely linked to your bike and deters thieves. Our data shows that bikes with a SafeTag are stolen up to 98% less often.

View the SafeTag (€9.99) and order now

Summary: what to do when your bike is stolen?

1. Report it to the police via politie.nl
2. Collect your frame number, features and details of the theft
3. Register your bike (even afterwards) in the BIKEBAZE bike register and report it as stolen
4. Order a SafeTag for your new bike and prevent the next theft

Let thieves know you are prepared.
Register your bike and make it hard for them. Together we make the Netherlands and all of Europe less attractive to bike thieves.