E-bikes increasing prey for bike thieves

Police cannot solve this problem alone; help needed from industry.’

The number of reports of thefts of E-bikes has again risen sharply. In 2021, an increase of 25 percent was recorded compared to 2020. Over the past two years, E-bike theft has increased by a staggering 74 percent. In absolute numbers, this now amounts to 22,593 reports per year. This is evident from an analysis of the declaration figures of the National Police by the Foundation for Tackling Bicycle and E-Bike Theft (S.A.F.E.).

Attractive for thieves
The E-bike is becoming increasingly prominent in the street scene. Both young and old choose the convenience of the light pedals – and great speed – of the modern bicycle. Especially now that fuel at the pump for cars, motorcycles, scooters and mopeds is becoming more and more expensive, the E-bike is an increasingly popular alternative. The choice for sustainability also contributes to higher sales figures. By 2020, E-bike sales will already be 50 percent of the total market. Unfortunately, this also increases crime.

Homes, garages, offices
The declaration figures show that by far the most reports relate to the ‘simple’ theft of E-bikes on the street. However, 1908 reports were also made of classified theft. This includes theft from homes, (garage) boxes, sheds, office buildings and other buildings, whether or not by means of burglary and/or violence. This makes it clear that criminals are actively observing where these types of bikes are stored. It is therefore important to lock the E-bike in these places with two locks and to secure it to the ground or wall.

Utrecht fastest riser
If we look at the reports of stolen E-bikes in the ten largest cities in the Netherlands, we see a strikingly strong rise in Utrecht. Here the number of reports rose by over 66%. To compare: in Amsterdam the declaration figure rose by 12%, in Rotterdam by 39% and in The Hague by 10%. Nijmegen is the only city in the top ten where the number of reports decreased by 14% (see appendix).

Ordinary’ bicycle theft
For the umpteenth year in a row, the number of reports of non-electric bicycles has fallen sharply. In 2020, 47,944 victims reported to the police; last year there were only 26,365 victims. This 45 percent drop, unfortunately, is no reason to cheer. It seems more plausible that fewer and fewer people are reporting common bicycle theft. The study Bicycle Theft in the Netherlands, published by Bureau Beke in the autumn of 2020, shows that only 14 percent of victims reported it at that time. This percentage was even lower last year, according to estimates. The actual number of bicycle thefts is certainly eight to nine times higher.

Damage
E-bike theft reports are made more frequently because E-bikes are usually insured and the insurer then demands a report. The extent of the financial burden of bicycle and E-bike theft will soon be known when CBS publishes its Safety Monitor in March. In that monitor actual thefts are calculated every two years on the basis of representative victim surveys. In 2020 the annual damage from bicycle theft was still calculated at 600 million Euro. This makes it one of the most common forms of property crime.

Prevention and Track&Trace pays off
Consulted experts have commented on the organized groups of criminals that are becoming increasingly active. They work professionally and steal E-bikes more often to transport them abroad. The Eastern Bloc is regularly mentioned as a destination. Besides a package of measures to combat (organized) bicycle theft, S.A.F.E. advocates better prevention.

“E-bikers can do a lot themselves,” says Guus Wesselink. “For example, using two ART-approved locks and securing your bicycle to something. Preferably keep your bike locked up, even at home. Especially if you live in a city centre.” Figures also show that 80 percent of bikes equipped with a track & trace system are recovered.

Finally, S.A.F.E. makes an urgent appeal to insurers, the bicycle industry, social organizations and knowledge institutions to act together in the fight against bicycle theft.

“The police are struggling with a lack of capacity and bicycle theft is not a priority. The fact that the number of reports has once again fallen sharply demonstrates the indifference of the victims. We are currently conducting a follow-up investigation into the handling of reports by the police and the Public Prosecution Service, but it is clear that we can only solve this problem if the parties involved help each other. If this does not happen, the theft figures of E-bikes will only increase further and the Netherlands will become a Valhalla for bicycle thieves, as RAI Association Chairman Steven van Eijck has previously predicted.” (see RAI Association press release January 2020).