How to Recover a Stolen Bike
If you find that expensive bicycle suddenly missing, this guide will help you recover your two-wheeled friend quickly and safely.
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You Will Need
- The bike's serial number
- A photo of the bike
- An official police report
- A flyer
- A computer with internet access
- An etcher (optional)
Steps
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Step 1
Retrieve serial number
Retrieve your bike's serial number from the owner's manual or from the shop where you bought the bike. Find a recent photo, too.
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If your bike does not have a serial number, etch your I.D. or driver's license number somewhere on the bike.
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Step 2
File a police report
Call and file a police report to create an official record of the stolen bike. Get copies of the paperwork.
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Don't wait. The sooner you can get the word out, the better chance there is of recovering your property.
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Step 3
Pass out flyers
Pass out flyers with the serial number and a picture of the bike in the area where it was stolen, including used bike stores and pawn shops.
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Step 4
Post online
Post all the information about your stolen bike on social networking sites and tell friends and family members as soon as possible.
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Step 5
Monitor internet and garage sales
Monitor online auction sites as well as garage sales in the area. If you see your bike, call the police immediately.
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Vittorio DeSica's The Bicycle Thief won the Golden Globe in 1950 for "Best Foreign Film."
