Large increase in reports of e-bike and cargo bike theft

S.A.F.E. analysis of the first half of 2021

The number of reports of e-bike thefts increased by 32 percent in the first half of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020. In total, more than 9,600 e-bike thefts were reported in the Netherlands in the first half of the year, where the counter stood at 7,260 last year. Bicycles were also reported to the police 21 percent more often than in the first half of 2020. This is evident from an analysis of the declaration figures by the Stichting Aanpak Fiets- en E-bikediefstal (S.A.F.E.).

The figures also show that in the second quarter of 2021 there were half as many reports of e-bike theft as in the first quarter of 2021 (5,752 versus 3,836*). The increase in reports of e-bike theft deviates from the general trend in thefts and burglaries. This trend has been decreasing for years. The number of reports of theft of ‘normal’ bicycles fell by 38 percent in the first six months of 2021 (21,000 in 2020 compared to 13,000 in 2021).According to Jeroen Snijders Blok, chairman of S.A.F.E., the developments are worrying: “The number of reports of e-bike theft is increasing exponentially in the Netherlands. But we also see that the willingness to report around bicycle theft is low, which means that the actual numbers are even higher.” In addition to a package of measures to combat (organized) bicycle theft, S.A.F.E. advocates better prevention and registration of e-bikes. “E-bike owners can already do a lot themselves, for example by using two locks. Mounting a track & trace on a bicycle also proves effective,” says Snijders Blok. “Of the stolen bicycles with this system, 80% are recovered[1]“.

Reports of e-bike theft in first half of 2021 per municipality

Image: The color on the map shows the percentage increase or decrease in the number of e-bike theft declarations in the first six months of 2021 compared to the first six months of 2020
Source: S.A.F.E./Police | Created with LocalFocus | View link > https://localfocuswidgets.net/60f03b4595ec8

Bicycle boxes and sheds
There were 910 reports of theft of e-bikes from boxes, sheds, sheds and from vehicles in the past six months. A slight increase compared to the first half of 2020 (902). Jeroen Snijders Blok: “The conclusion is that the declarations of thefts in public spaces are rising faster than the declarations of thefts from buildings, sheds and from vehicles. The advice is to take as many preventive measures as possible to protect your property.”

Low willingness to report
The declaration figures are only the tip of the iceberg of the actual extent of the number of stolen bicycles. The actual number is at least seven times higher, shows the study Bicycle Theft in the Netherlands, published by Bureau Beke in the autumn of 2020. Only 14% of the victims report the theft. That percentage relates mainly to reports of e-bike theft. Reason is that e-bikes are more often insured and the insurer usually demands a declaration. The annual financial damage of bicycle theft has now risen to 600 million euros, the same research shows. This makes bicycle theft one of the largest forms of property crime.

Registration increases chances of being caught
S.A.F.E. makes an urgent appeal to cyclists themselves, all private and public partners and politicians to work together to thwart crime. One of the solutions to prevent theft or to increase the chance of being caught is the registration of e-bikes. Just as it is the case for cars. A stolen car, for example, is internationally reported within two hours in the Netherlands. This speed has drastically reduced the number of car thefts. S.A.F.E. is working on a study of the possibilities with regard to this registration.* Figures include the reports of theft from sheds and from vehicles just like the total figures in the first paragraph.

[1] Source: Fris Nederland – recovery company