UK vs USA Bicycle Theft Stats
| UK | USA | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Value of Stolen Bike | £348 | $724 |
| Number of Reported Thefts in the Capital in 2020 | 21,745 | 4,477 |
| % Of Thefts Reported to The Police Each Year (average) | 19% | 20% |
| % of Stolen Bikes Returned to Owners Each Year | 5% | 5% |
How common is bicycle theft in the UK?
“On average, 45 bikes are stolen every hour in the UK. Cyclists need to consider what protection should be put in place to ensure they’re potentially covered for this.”
How many bikes are stolen a year in the UK?
The number of bicycle thefts in England and Wales was 77,465 in 2021/22, compared with 77,302 in the previous reporting year.
Why is bike theft so common UK?
With an increase of bike users in the UK in 2020-21, bicycle theft is becoming a more and more pertinent problem. Bike thieves are more brazen than ever and the risk of falling foul to one of these criminals is rising due to the lack of policing in this area.
Do bikes get stolen in UK?
With record sales of bicycles seen in the UK over the course of the coronavirus pandemic, bike theft is still prevalent. Superintendent Mark Cleland at the British Transport Police (BTP) commented: “It’s important that people understand how best to apply their locks.”
Do police often find stolen bikes?
If you’re concerned that the police won’t recover your bike – you’re not alone. Statistics suggest that just 5% of stolen bikes are returned to their rightful owners. However, while the police rarely retreive stolen bicycles in isolation, they often seize dozens or even hundreds of bikes from professional thieves.
Do police care about bike theft?
Investigation rates for bike crime are dire, 90% of thefts are screened out by officers believing they have very little chance of being solved. This is often despite the victim having identified incriminating CCTV or having found the stolen bike for sale online, we wrote about the problem last year.
Where do most stolen bikes go?
Way 3.
Usually, bike thieves steal bikes and put them on Craigslist, Kijiji, eBay, Gumtree, etc. for quick resells since they don’t want to keep their “crime evidence” for too long. If you find your stolen bike, don’t meet the seller on your own. Instead, ask the police for help.
Why is bike theft so common?
It’s so easy to get away with it
One major contributing factor to the increase in bike theft is that it’s just so easy for criminals to get away with it. A bicycle’s very nature makes it an easy target for theft: they are lightweight and simple to disassemble, making them easy to transport.
Are bike thieves common?
More than two million bikes are stolen in North American every year and Project 529 estimates that bike theft accounts for a billion dollars in loss annually.
What is the most stolen thing in the UK?
What’s the most stolen household item in the UK? | Insurance Business UK
| Content Type | 2021 | 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| Jewellery/watches | 35% | 51% |
| Cash and bank cards | 15% | 25% |
| Laptops and tablets | 7% | 17% |
| Mobile phones | 6% | 11% |
How do I protect my bike from theft UK?
Ten ways to protect your bike
- Double lock it. Using two locks slows thieves down and makes your bike less of a target.
- Lock the lot. Lock the frame and both wheels to a secure cycle stand.
- Secure it.
- Take removable parts with you.
- Park securely.
- Register it.
- Mark it.
- Remember safety begins at home.
How do I theft proof my bike?
8 tips to prevent bicycle theft
- Double up your security by using two high-quality locks.
- Use your locks to keep your wheels from being stolen, too.
- Swap quick-release seat and wheel skewers for ones that require keys.
- Make your bike unique.
- Try out a smart lock.
- Always bring your bike inside at night.
Which bikes are stolen most?
Most stolen motorcycle makes in the United States in 2019
| Characteristic | Number of thefts |
|---|---|
| American Honda Motor Co., Inc. | 8,122 |
| Yamaha Motor Corporation | 6,495 |
| Harley Davidson, Inc. | 4,737 |
| American Suzuki Motor Corporation | 4,686 |
What do thieves do with stolen bikes?
Bike thieves have the equipment to cut locks and intend to resell stolen bikes at a price close to their “fair market value.” Criminals like typically steal bikes from the streets and sell them on online markets to get the most money.
Can you call 999 for a stolen bike?
If your bike is stolen, never put yourself at risk. Call police immediately on 999 if you see it being stolen or report a crime online or call 101 if you discover it has gone.
Can a stolen bike be traced?
The local police have a good handle on the area and may be able to trace your bike within minutes. It’s not uncommon for the police to spot the thief riding your bike. Once reported, the police will give you a crime reference number.
Why do thieves steal bikes?
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. In Portland, Oregon bike thieves are often drug addicts who provide stolen bicycles to drug dealers in exchange for drugs.
Why do homeless collect bikes?
They have bicycles because it is their only source of transportation. Sometimes they need then to get to work-yes, many homeless people actually have jobs. They earn the money to buy their bicycles.
Do bike thieves pick locks?
Do bike thieves pick locks? Yes, some cheap bike locks can easily be pick in a few seconds. However, most common method is to use a bolt cutter.
What is the least stolen car UK?
On the list of the least stolen cars in the UK, the Alfa Romeo 145 is at the top, with only one reported stolen in 2020. Other (rarely) stolen vehicles included the Volvo XC40 (three) and the Abarth 695 (seven).