Bicycle theft

What do I do in case of theft? 

1. Contact the Police first
Report the theft to the police immediately. You can either call right away, go to the nearest police station, or enter your report online.

The following documents are important:

• Identity card
• Purchase contract/bill for the bike
• Bike passport/if applicable, information on the coding of the bike (if available)

In addition, the police will most likely ask the following questions, which you can prepare for in advance:

• When was the bike connected?
• Where exactly was the bike parked?
• Is there a frame number and/or was the bike coded?
• What kind of bike is it exactly? 
• Important is information about type, brand, model, color, special features (e.g. stickers, color combinations), structural features (e.g. tires, rims, handlebars, pedals, brakes, saddle, gears, lights, luggage rack, kickstand, chain guard).
• Is the bike insured?
• With which lock was it connected?
• What was the new price of the bicycle?
• Is there already a suspicion of a crime?

If you don't have a bike passport, you should have the frame number of your bike written down so that you have it quickly at hand at all times. The manufacturers stamp it in various places on the frame. It is usually found on the bottom bracket.

2. Contact the insurance company
After you have reported the theft to the police, contact your household or bicycle insurance. For the insurance claim, however, it is absolutely necessary that the bike was locked. Therefore, you must usually also present the lock, if it is still present, as well as the keys to it. Especially for bicycle insurance, often even the brand of the bike lock is required.
A household insurance usually only covers you if the bicycle was parked in your own house/flat or in a locked bicycle cellar that belongs to the house. Always watch out for clauses in the contract that do not "recognize" the theft under certain circumstances or do not reimburse the purchase price.
To be on the safe side and to protect a new, expensive bike against theft, it is best to take out a special bike insurance policy.

For the clarification of a theft with your insurance you need the following documents in any case:

• Police report
• Damage report
• Original invoice of the bicycle including accessories
• All keys of the lock with which your bike was connected
• Invoice of the lock and if necessary the damaged lock
• If available: Copy of the criminal complaint; notice of discontinuance from the public prosecutor's office.

3. Become active yourself
At any time you have the possibility to search for the lock yourself and tap into various "channels and sources".

• Get help via social media by drawing attention to the theft and sharing/reporting the key points about the incident (theft).
• Post notices in public spaces (e.g. on trees or lampposts - if allowed) to support the search. It can also be helpful to post a search notice as a small ad in supermarkets.
• Ask at the lost and found office and keep your eyes open in large public places.
• Check GPS location via smartphone, if available. 

If you find your bike, first inform the police and then the insurance company.

This is how you protect your bike from theft.