50% of Us Will Experience Bike Theft – Unless We Take Action

I am a daily commuter, and cycling in Dublin has been my primary way of getting around for over 15 years. Unfortunately, this journey hasn’t been without setbacks – I’ve had two bikes stolen. Each time, I didn’t secure them properly, relying on a false sense of security. But I'm not alone in this experience. In Dublin, bike theft is a widespread issue that could impact half of us, so it’s critical to be proactive about prevention.

The Stark Reality of Bike Theft in Dublin

Every year, 20,000 bicycles are stolen in Dublin alone. Official figures capture only about 5,000 cases per year because only 25% of thefts are reported. This leaves a large number of stolen bikes unaccounted for and untraceable, with many cyclists simply writing off the loss, believing their bike is gone for good.

Where Do Stolen Bikes Go?

You may spot your stolen bike on local ad sites or social media marketplaces. Some cyclists have managed to recover their bikes this way, but never try to reclaim it alone—always involve the Garda to ensure your safety. Sadly, many stolen bikes leave Ireland altogether. They’re often shipped in containers overseas, making recovery nearly impossible.

In 2024 alone, 3,800 bike thefts have been reported, and the Garda has recovered around 1,800 bikes. As their serial numbers were never reported or recorded, most of these bicycles cannot be returned to their owners. They will likely be sold at auctions. Reporting your bike with its serial number is essential if you want any chance of getting it back.

While bike theft may never be eliminated entirely, there are steps we can take to protect ourselves and our bikes.

Preventing Bike Theft: Five Key Tips

1. Invest in a High-Quality Lock: Start with a high-grade lock certified to the highest level, such as Gold Safety or higher. Look for certification labels like Sold Secure Gold, as many insurers require this level of security.
2. Double Up in High-Risk Areas: While one lock is sufficient in many places, using two locks—a sturdy U-lock plus a chain lock—is advisable when parking in high-risk locations like airports, train stations, or busy city streets.
3. Park in Secure Locations: Opt for bike racks in areas with a security presence, such as shopping centres or entrances with guards on duty. Isolated or poorly lit spots are easier targets for thieves, so try to avoid these whenever possible.
4. Lock It Right: Even the best locks are only effective when used properly. Make sure to secure both the bike frame and the wheels. Online guides and videos offer great tips on locking techniques. Heavy-duty U-locks provide a much higher level of security than lightweight ones. Cables are the least secure option.
5. Consider a GPS Tracker: GPS trackers add an additional layer of security. Some electric bikes now come with built-in GPS, while others, such as those with Bosch’s motors, have an optional GPS add-on module. Alternatively, you can install an aftermarket GPS tracker like BikeFinder or Knog.

Sold Secure Ratings for Bicycle Locks

What to Do If Your Bike Is Stolen

1. Report the Theft to Garda: Immediately report the theft and provide your bike’s serial number. If the Garda finds your bike, they’ll check the serial number against their records. This way, they can determine that the bike belongs to you and return it safely.
2. Keep Searching Local Markets: Sign up for alerts on popular ad sites (DoneDeal, Gumtree, Adverts, eBay) and social media marketplaces (Facebook Marketplace), checking frequently for up to three months. Thieves often wait weeks or months before reselling a stolen bike.
3. Be Patient and Persistent: Thieves may store bikes for a while in a dark basement, hoping people lose interest, so stay vigilant and keep looking, even months after the theft.

Success Story: The Case of the Pub Bike

Our customer, Tom*, left his bike outside a pub while watching a football match. Thieves came around and stole his bike. Shortly after, a Garda officer saw them cycling and noticed they didn’t look like the bike’s rightful owners.

The officer spotted our shop’s sticker on the bike, contacted us, and provided the frame number. We checked our records, identified Tom as the owner, and called him. Still unaware of the theft, Tom was able to reclaim his bike before he even realised it was gone!

*we've changed Tom's real name here! 

Why Bike Registration Is Important

Only 25% of reported thefts are made to the Garda, and only 20% of those could provide their bicycle frame number. In most cases, the bike shop you buy your bicycle from will have a record of your frame number, but it is always a good idea to make your own record, or, if you have not done so already request this from the shop you bought your bike from! 

Brief Recap:

Prevention:

1. Gold Sold Secure or higher lock (ideally two locks)
2. GPS tracker and alarm
3. Record of the serial number
4. Choose a locking location wisely

If Your Bike Gets Stolen:

1. Report to Garda
2. Browse local ads, Facebook Marketplace, and similar sites.