Preparing for the Unthinkable: Bike Theft

For many people their bike is a prized possession and losing it as a result of theft is devastating.  If you’ve ever had a bike stolen you know the sense of loss you experience.  It is like going through the 5 stages of grief:

• Denial – where did I leave it?
• Anger – what dirt bag would dare take it?
• Bargaining – maybe I can get it back if I contact all the bike shops in Chicago
• Depression – I miss my bike!  Why did this happen to me?
• Acceptance – It’s gone.  I’ll do a better job taking care of it next time

When you leave your bike, there are best practices in terms of equipment and knowledge to protect it.  But even if you are vigilant by using a ulock with a high security rating, utilize proper locking, or rarely leave your bike locked in public places, the best precautions can still be foiled.  There are a few things you can do in advance to prepare for the unthinkable bike theft.

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​1.  Make a record of you bike – record the following information either on your computer or in a file in a safe place where you keep important papers. 

• Bike serial number – a serial number is a combination of letters and numbers permanently applied by the bike manufacturer to the frame of the bike.  It is usually stamped underside on the bottom bracket between the crank arms.  Some manufacturers have  begun applying a little sticker on the underside with the number in a QR code which is easier to read.  There are also manufacturers that stamp the serial number on the frame front near the head badge--a great advance, because when a serial number is underneath the bike it is awkward to turn the bike upside down and read the fuzzy letters and numbers underneath. 

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• Description of bike – document the manufacturer (i.e. Jamis, Magnum), model (i.e. Coda S2, Renegade A1), style (i.e. hybrid, road, mountain, ebike), and description (i.e. color, accessories that have been added).  If your bike does not have a serial number because it is handmade, a detailed description is especially important. 
• Photos - take pictures of your bike from different angles including a photo of the serial number.
• Selfie - you and your bike are the stars, so smile and ham it up!

2.  Register the bike - there are places where you can register your bike and this record will increase the chance of recovery if it is stolen.  A bike registry can enable law enforcement, bike owners, bike shop staff, and regular citizens to verify the status of a bike.  Also, reporting helps law enforcement identify bike theft hot spots, trends, and repeat offenders. See the resource section below for links.  

1. Local municipality registry – Most cities and universities have a registry.  When police recover stolen bikes, they will search their local registry to identify the owner so the bike can be returned.  Bikes that are not identified end up being auctioned or donated after a certain period of time.  The Chicago Police Department has its own registry which helps them return a bike that ends up in their possession.  After creating an account and logging into the application, simply click the Register Bike tab at the top of the screen. This will take you to a page to enter information about your bike and where your bike was purchased
2. National bike registry - In addition to a local registry, a national registry has the advantage of increasing the chance of identification of a bike no matter where it is stolen or recovered.  Professional bike thieves often transport bikes across state lines to dispose of them so a national registry with a critical mass of participation makes sense.  There are several competing national bike registries but the one that appears to have the most participation is the Bike Index.  Once you collect all the information about your bike to make a record you can register your bike online is less than five minutes and it is free.  Register your bike as soon as you bring your new bike home or take possession.
3. Bike manufacturer – many manufactures such as Jamis and Magnum have their own registry for owners of their bikes which is beneficial not only for theft, but for warranty issues. 

3.  Install evidence of ownership inside your bike – there have been scams where a person would find your bike parked on the street, copy down the serial number and register it as their own, and then falsely accuse you of stealing the bike.  To prevent this write your name and contact information on a card, seal it in a plastic bag, and stuff it somewhere in the frame, i.e. in the handlebars or seat tube.  Then if you are scammed or happen upon someone on your stolen bike, you can prove ownership.  Registering the bike on multiple sites, i.e. local municipality, national registry, and manufacturer’s site, also helps with proof of ownership.    

4.  Insurance – Most renter and home insurance policies cover bike theft even when you’re not at home.  Check your policy and if it does not cover your bike, get it added to the policy in an amount consistent with its replacement value.  Be sure to understand your deductible and how it works. 

​Stolen Bike Registry
If the unthinkable does happen file a stolen bike report on the national bike registry you selected.  In Chicago, there is an additional resource, Chicago Stolen Bike Registry, where you can place an alert with the hopes that grass roots efforts will result in it’s return.  The folks that manage this registry say that time is of the essence, so even if you do not have all the information at your fingertips, report as much as you have to increase the chance someone will see it and contact you.

By taking these steps in advance you will still be sad if your bike is stolen but it will be easier to move on with either recovery of your old friend or ability to purchase a new bike.  Less down time means more biking and more happiness. 

Resources
Chicago Police Bike Registry:  https://home.chicagopolice.org/services/online-bicycle-registration/
Bike Index: http://www.bikeindex.org
Jamis: https://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/register.html
Magnum: https://www.magnumbikes.com/warranty/
Chicago Stolen Bike Registry: http://chicago.stolenbike.org​​

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