File a police report as soon as possible. This is really important. You might not have insurance. … But if they recover a stolen bike and you’ve filed a report with a serial number, they’ll link it to you and you’ll get your bike back!
Is it a crime to steal a bike?
Many people rely on their bicycles and other vessels for transportation and work. It may be tempting to “temporarily borrow” someone else’s bicycle, boat or other vessel without their consent, however the unlawful taking of a bicycle or vessel is considered a theft crime under California Penal Code Section 499b PC.
Do police investigate stolen bikes?
That’s why it is so important that you should ALWAYS REPORT BICYCLE THEFT TO THE POLICE. Recovery rates are much higher, and it’s estimated that around half of stolen bikes are eventually recovered by the police. … If you ever become the victim of a theft, you should always report it to the police.
How do I get my stolen cycle back?
The process to file a claim in case your two wheeler is stolen is listed below: File an FIR (First Information Report) at the nearest police station. This is to be done as soon as you realise the two wheeler has been stolen. Inform the insurance company- the insurance company is to be informed as early as possible.
How do you prove a bike is yours?
Record your serial number and place it in the file. Other documentation in the file should include a receipt for the bike. Even if you are buying a used bike, ask for a receipt. If you don’t have a receipt for a bike you already own, repair receipts may serve as evidence of ownership.
How often are bicycles stolen?
Regularly, more than 2 million bikes are stolen each year in North America—meaning every 30 seconds, someone’s ride was going missing. And the problem has only been growing during the coronavirus pandemic, when more people have turned to bicycles as their main mode of transportation.
Why do people steal bikes?
Joyriders: Joyriders steal bikes for the sole purpose of riding the stolen bike for entertainment and will generally abandon the bike after using it. … Acquisitive: These thieves steal bicycles for financial gain and usually trade them for cash or goods. The bikes may also be sold in pieces for drugs or money.
Do stolen bikes ever get recovered?
You might think the police will do nothing. You might think it’s a waste of time. But the fact is that almost half of stolen bikes are eventually recovered by the police. And the only reason that just 5% of stolen bikes are returned to their owners is that the police can’t link the bikes to the owners.
Does insurance cover bike theft?
Your bike insurance company will reimburse you with the bike’s Insured Declared Value (IDV) in case of a bike theft. Note that bike theft is not covered under a basic Third-party Liability Insurance policy; it is covered under a Comprehensive plan.
How can I check if my bike is stolen?
How to know if a bike is stolen? A definitive way to find out if its stolen is by asking for the bike’s serial number and putting it into a bike registry database to check. Also Look for red flags such as too good of a price, spray painted bike, or a seller who gives little information.
Is my bike serial number on the receipt?
Read The Receipts
If you’ve recently purchased your bicycle, or are really great at record-keeping, you likely have a receipt. Depending on where you bought your bike, your receipt or invoice may have the serial number printed on it.
Can I use tile to track my bike?
Tile makes it super easy to put a tracker on your favorite bike. … All you need to do is download the Tile app for iOS or Android and pair it with your mobile device or tablet. Tile helps you find your bike when it’s misplaced nearby, or if it’s been lost or stolen.
Is it illegal to remove serial number from bike?
California Vehicle Code 10802 VC is more serious. It makes it illegal to intentionally tamper with a VIN in order to: misrepresent or hide the identity of the vehicle or car part, for the purpose of selling or transferring it.