My bike was stolen - what to do next

Sorry, we know. Getting your bike stolen is a horrible feeling. The Office for National Statistics records around 67,000 bicycle thefts in England and Wales each year, and the real number is likely much higher. In London, the recovery rate is estimated to be as low as 2%. 

Acting quickly and methodically improves your chances of getting your bike back or, at the very least, making a successful insurance claim. 

Step 1: Report bike theft to the police

You can do this online in most areas or by calling 101 (the non-emergency number). You’ll need to provide as much detail as possible: the make, model, colour, any distinguishing features, the frame number, and where and when it was stolen.

Your frame number is critical. It’s usually stamped under the bottom bracket (where the pedals are). If you didn’t record it before the theft, check your purchase receipt and warranty paperwork.

You’ll receive a crime reference number. Keep this safe. Your insurance provider will require it to process your claim, and you’ll need it for any follow-up with the police.

Step 2: Register the theft on BikeRegister and Project 529

Police recovery rates for stolen bikes are low, and even among the bikes that do end up in police hands, whether reported stolen or not, only a small proportion are returned to their rightful owners.

You can increase the chances of having your stolen bike returned to you by registering it on a database such as Project 529 or BikeRegister. Even a post-theft registration helps if the bike is recovered.

You should also check other stolen bike databases and community groups. Stolen Ride and local cycling Facebook groups are worth logging the theft with as well.

Step 3: Contact your insurance provider

If you have dedicated bicycle insurance (like a Sundays policy), get in touch with us as soon as possible. We’ll need your crime reference number, proof of ownership (receipt, photos, frame number), and details about how the bike was secured when it was taken.

If you’re relying on your home contents insurance, check your policy carefully before you claim. 

Step 4: Search online marketplaces

Stolen bikes in the UK most commonly resurface on Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, and eBay. Set up alerts for your bike’s make and model in your area and surrounding cities. Thieves often wait a week or two before listing, so keep checking regularly for at least a month.

If you spot your bike listed, take screenshots of the listing, the seller's profile, and any other identifying info before it disappears. Don't contact the seller to "test" them, this might tip them off and they'll delete the listing. Contact the police with your evidence and let them handle the next step.. Confronting a thief directly puts you at risk and can complicate any legal proceedings.We know, the temptation to take action is real.

Checking marketplaces every day gets exhausting. Services like Seeker automate the search across Facebook Marketplace, eBay and Gumtree, you set up alerts for your bike's make and model and get notified when something matches. Worth setting up early. 

Step 5: Spread the word - locally and online

Let nearby bike shops know your bike was stolen. Share a clear description, photos, and your frame number. Thieves sometimes bring stolen bikes in for repairs, and staff who recognise yours can flag it.

Be respectful. Shops get a lot of theft reports, they aren't the police, and they have a business to run. Keep your message brief and lead with the most identifiable details. If a shop spots your bike, get there quickly with proof of ownership and your crime reference number, and let the police handle the recovery if there are any safety concerns.

Online, post about the theft in local cycling groups, neighbourhood Facebook groups, Threads and X. Include clear photos and the location of the theft. The UK cycling community is active online, and stolen bike posts get shared widely - many bikes have been recovered through social media sightings.

Put up missing-bike posters around where it was taken. Creating one is oddly therapeutic. It's also a bit sad. But it might just work.

If your bike's registered with Project 529, you can generate one straight from your 529 Garage account with photos, details, and a link to your missing-bike alert.

How to protect yourself next time

For your next bike, or if you’re lucky enough to get this one back:

Record your frame number and store it in your phone, email, or a secure note. Photograph the bike from multiple angles, especially any unique features, modifications, or marks.

Register on BikeRegister or Project 529 the day you buy it. You can also get a BikeRegister marking kit, which etches a unique code into your frame and acts as a visible deterrent.

Invest in a quality lock. You can buy a Sold Secure Gold-rated D lock from around £40, but for higher value bikes, it’s worth considering the new generation of angle grinder-resistant designs such as the Litelok X1. It's important to know that for dedicated bicycle insurance like Sundays, securing your bike with just a cable lock may invalidate your theft claim. 

Get dedicated bicycle insurance.
At Sundays, we cover theft from home and away from home, with a claims process designed to get you back riding as quickly as possible.

Recovery can take weeks or months. Keep checking and don't assume early silence means the bike is gone for good. Some of the best recovery stories come from sightings months after the theft.

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Frequently Asked Questions 

My bike is being stolen right now - what should I do? 

Call 999 immediately if a theft is happening now, the thief is still there, or you feel unsafe.

How do I report a stolen bike? 

Report it online or by calling 101 (the non-emergency number). You'll receive a crime reference number - keep this safe, as your insurer will need it.

What information do I need when reporting to the police? 

You'll need the make, model, colour, any distinguishing features, the frame number, and where and when it was stolen. Check under the bottom bracket (the bit where the cranks meet the frame), or look on your purchase receipt or warranty paperwork.

What is a frame number and where do I find it?

A frame or serial number is a unique code stamped or added under the clear coat of bikes. It's usually under the bottom bracket, the part where the cranks meet the frame, though some bikes have it on the head tube or seat tube. If you can't find it on the bike, check your purchase receipt, warranty card, or any photos you've taken of the underside of the frame.

Where should I register my stolen bike? 

Register it on BikeRegister and Project 529 (both free), and also log the theft with Stolen Ride and local cycling Facebook groups.

Where do stolen bikes most commonly get resold? 

Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, and eBay. Set up alerts for your bike's make and model and check regularly for at least a month, as thieves often wait a week or two before listing.

What should I do if I spot my bike listed for sale online? 

Do not try to recover it yourself. Contact the police with the listing URL and your crime reference number so they can arrange a recovery operation.

Does home contents insurance cover a stolen bike? 

Sometimes, but with limits. Home contents policies may have a single-item cap and may not cover theft away from home unless you've added personal possessions cover. Check your policy schedule before claiming. Bear in mind a claim can affect your home insurance premium at renewal.

Will a cable lock cover me for an insurance claim? 

Not for dedicated bicycle insurance. Sundays require a Sold Secure rated lock, with the exact rating depending on your bike's value - check your policy schedule for the requirement that applies to you. A cable lock alone won't meet this standard.

What's the best way to protect my bike from theft in future? 

Register your bike on BikeRegister or Project 529, photograph it and record the frame number, use a Sold Secure rated lock, and get dedicated bicycle insurance.

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