Bicycle theft: what is the situation in the Netherlands?

Many more bicycles are stolen in the Netherlands than is often thought. In addition to the fact that stealing bicycles is seen as a social problem, there is also major material and immaterial damage. Bicycle theft is the most serious theft phenomenon of all property crimes. In 2021, a total of 735 thousand bicycles and e-bikes will be stolen. These are only the stolen two-wheelers, which have been reported. This number would eventually be higher.

Despite the fact that the number of stolen bicycles in the Netherlands has increased sharply in the past 2 years, the police are not doing enough to solve these crimes – says Guus Wesselink, chairman of Stichting Aanpak Fiets en E-bike theft. This foundation – also known as SAFE – consists of more than 20 organisations. The focus of SAFE is mainly on prevention.

Meeting ‘Stop Healing, Stop Crime’

Last October 20, during the meeting ‘Stop Heling, Stop Crime’, attention was paid to property crimes. This includes, among other things, the approach to bicycle theft. During this meeting, SAFE gave a workshop on bicycle and e-bike theft. It is especially important that the government monitors better and that perpetrators are dealt with more firmly.

The Dutch ignore basic advice

Using a second lock – including a quality mark – and attaching it to a fixed object are precautions that can (partially) prevent bicycle theft. Research by the RAI Association and the independent ART Quality Mark shows that only 36% of the Dutch use at least two locks. Only a quarter parks his or her bicycle in the light.

The number of stolen electric bicycles is increasing

SAFE sounds the alarm. In particular, the number of electric bicycles that are stolen is increasing. In two years there was an increase of 75%. Amsterdam is definitely number 1 in the city where most bicycle thefts take place. Train stations, shopping areas or residential areas are the hotspots for bicycle thieves. After the e-bike, it is the ‘normal’ city bikes that are very popular.

Sturdy lock with hallmark

What is the best thing you can do yourself to prevent theft? Attach two bicycle locks – including quality mark – to a fixed object, such as fences or lampposts. Are you at home? Do not leave your (electric) bicycle in front of the door with an open lock. Put your bike in the shed and lock the bike here too.

Buy a sturdy lock with quality mark? View the offer of Fietsvoordeelshop.nl here.