What do bike thieves do with stolen bikes?

Project 529 Garage, another bike registry service, estimates that only 1 in 5 stolen bikes are actually reported to the police in North America. Once a bike stolen, it’s rare that the owner can retrieve it. Often, bike thieves manage to get rid of the bike quickly by selling it, which can make it hard to track.

What happens if you get caught stealing a bike?

Penal Code 499b PC is the California statute that makes it a crime temporarily to take or borrow another person’s bicycle or vessel, without that person’s permission or consent. Commonly referred to as joyriding, a conviction can lead to probation, fines and jail time.

Do bike thieves get caught?

Police data has revealed which areas in London saw a surge in lockdown bike thefts last year, with just 1.1% of bike thefts resulting in the thief being caught.

Which bikes get stolen the most?

As far as brands taken, there’s little surprise to see two of the so-called ‘big three’ in Bikmo’s most stolen – Giant and Specialized. A second bicycle insurer corroborates the finding; PedalSure also name the two brands as their most wanted by thieves.

What is the charge of stealing a bike?

It states, “Whoever commits theft shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.” Therefore, maximum punishment is 3 years with or without fine.

What percentage of stolen bikes are recovered?

These 8 Depressing Bike Theft Statistics Show Just How Bad the Problem Is. A survey of Montreal riders finds that half of all active cyclists have their bikes stolen, and only 2.4 percent are recovered.

How can I make my bike less attractive to thieves?

Some dirt or duct tape can make it look less attractive to the crooks. For bicycle protection tape your seatpost, handlebars, and various places on your frame to make your bike parts look worn and shabby.

Is it worth reporting a stolen bike?

Lots of people think that there is no point in reporting the theft of a bike to the police but the police occasionally find stolen bikes and a report will make it easier (for them) to return it to the rightful owner. To report a stolen bike, we recommend using the NSW Police Force Community Portal Theft Report.

Why do people 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.