What to do if your bike gets stolen

Our cycle insurance partner Bikmo shares their top tips for what to do if your bike is stolen.

It’s every rider’s nightmare – you come out of a coffee shop, only to find your beloved bike is not where you locked it up. In fact, it’s nowhere to be seen at all!

The sinking feeling hits you like a ton of bricks and you’re left wondering, “What do I do now?”

Our cycle insurance partner Bikmo has five practical steps to take if your bikes get stolen.

1. Don’t panic 

First thing’s first: try to stay calm. Losing your bike can be frustrating, but panicking won’t help the situation. Take a deep breath and follow these simple rules.

2. Report it 

Time is of the essence when it comes to reporting a stolen bike. Firstly, file a theft report. You can do this by calling 101, or many local police forces offer the facility to register a theft online. You could also go into your own local police station and report the theft in person. Make sure you give as much detail as possible about your bike, including its make, model, colour, value and any unique identifying features. 

You should keep a record of your bike’s serial number - giving this to the police can greatly increase their chances of recovering it.

3. Spread the word

Share the news of your stolen bike on social media platforms, like local Facebook Groups and Instagram Stories. Include details of where, when and how the theft took place, as well as your bike make and type and the frame number. Post pictures of the bike and describe any unique features. Ask people to contact you via the site - do not post your phone number or give out your address. Encourage people to share your post. The more people who know about the theft the greater the chance someone might spot your bike and alert you or the police. You should also report your stolen bike on the Stolen Bikes UK website.

4. Check online Marketplaces

Sadly, stolen bikes often end up being transported across the country to be sold online. Keep an eye on websites like eBay, Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace. Sometimes thieves aren’t very imaginative about where they sell their loot. Findthatbike.com has an up-to-date list of bikes for sale across Gumtree and eBay – it’s a good idea to check this. If you do track down your bike don’t approach the seller directly, get in touch with the police and leave it to them.

5. Contact local bike shops

You could also reach out to bike shops in your area and let them know about your stolen bike. Give them a description and ask them to keep an eye out for anyone trying to sell a similar bike.

Bikmo advises...

Prevention is better than cure, so you should consider investing in a reliable lock. Read our Bike lock choice blog, outlining the way to find and use the best lock for you.

Or take a look at this video, showing the best way to lock up your bike.

Avoid leaving your bike in vulnerable locations and consider registering it with schemes like BikeRegister to improve the chances of recovery if it’s ever stolen.

This brings us to a crucial point – having the right insurance for your bike before it’s stolen. 

Why is insurance important?

It’s essential to protect your bicycle, just as you would your car. With the right insurance coverage, you can have peace of mind, knowing that if the worst does happen, you’re financially covered. If your bike is stolen, and it was properly locked up, your Bikmo insurance policy will cover the cost of replacing it.

Bikmo’s policies also offer coverage for accessories like bike locks, which can be expensive to replace if they are damaged during an attempted bike theft. Bikmo also offers options for cover for bikes against theft and accidental damage while you’re away with your caravan, motorhome or campervan^, for both members and non-members, when bought through the Club.