What to do if your bike is stolen

Having your bike stolen is something every cyclist hopes they never experience. Whether it's your weekend ride, daily commute or pride and joy, losing a bike can be incredibly frustrating.

To help riders stay prepared, Action have teamed up with Bikmo, specialist cycle insurers, to share some practical advice on what to do it the worst happens.

Report it as soon as possible

If your bike is stolen, contact the police straight away. The more detail you can provide, the better your chances of recovery.

Useful information includes
-The make and model
-Colour and size
-Frame or serial number
-Recent photos
-Any distinctive features of accessories

It's also a good idea to keep proof of purchase stored somewhere safe and easy to access.

Spread the word

Stolen bikes are often sold online quickly, so it’s worth checking marketplace sites, auction platforms and local cycling groups.

Sharing details and photos of your bike on social media or within local cycling communities can also help get more people looking out for it.

Register your bike details

If you haven’t already, consider registering your bike with a national bike database. Recording your frame number and marking your bike can make it easier to identify and recover.

Even a simple photo of your frame number saved on your phone can be helpful if you ever need to report a theft.

Think about prevention

While no security setup is completely theft-proof, a few simple precautions can make a big difference.

Using a high-quality lock, securing the frame to a fixed object and avoiding isolated areas where possible can all help reduce the risk of theft.

If you regularly leave your bike in public places or travel with an expensive setup, it may also be worth considering specialist cycle insurance.

Supporting riders on and off the bike

Bikmo provide specialist cycle insurance designed around real riding, whether that’s commuting, weekend rides, training or taking part in cycling events.

As part of the partnership with Action Medical Research, cyclists can also benefit from:

5% saving on full insurance policies
25% saving on e-bike premiums
50% discount on additional bikes added to your household policy, including bikes belonging to people you live with
A quick and simple quote process

*T&Cs apply: Minimum premium £3.73/mo and policy wording applies. ^Discount applies to lowest value bike. Bikmo Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority ref: 745230 and our Companies House no. is 09149847.