Bike stolen: police report, frame number, and what next

If the bike is gone, the lock is no longer our job. Police first. Without a report the bike never enters the theft register, and an insurer usually does nothing.

You can report online via the police: bike stolen, file a report. Non-emergency is 0900-8844. If it is happening now, 112.

Bring what they actually use: brand, colour, frame number, lock type, photos, receipt or registration. The frame number is usually under the frame, by the bottom bracket. The police page on what to bring is the list that counts.

Then Stop Heling. You can check a frame number before buying second-hand, and it helps if yours turns up. Listings are full of bikes that ‘belonged to an uncle’. Ask for the number. If they will not give it, walk.

Bike still there, but the lock is forced or the chain half cut? Do not yank it. Photos, then us. We open the lock or cut the rest off so you can take it before someone else does. Someone had a go at your lock is the companion to this.

We do not open a lock because someone says ‘that is my bike, it is over there’. Ownership first. Receipt, registration, keys to the other lock, photo of your ID. If that is missing, we do not.

Next bike: write the frame number down the day you buy it, and fit a lock that belongs in this city. We wrote buying new and buying used separately, because those purchases are not the same.

Insurance: keep the report, send the photos, do not wait a month. And do not buy the cheapest lock on the rack. We fit a new lock on site if you still have the bike.