Most critical information
- 1. Serial number - #1 factor for recovery (80% don't know it)
- 2. Exact theft time/location - Within 2-hour window
- 3. Photos of bike - Including distinguishing features
- 4. Lock type - 59% of stolen bikes were locked
- 5. Proof of ownership - Any documentation showing it's yours
Walking into a police station unprepared wastes everyone's time and kills recovery chances. Police need specific information to enter your bike into databases, identify it if recovered, and prove ownership. Here's exactly what to gather before filing your report.
The serial number: Your bike's fingerprint
A serial number is the most reliable method for proving ownership and the easiest way for police to identify a stolen bike. Without it, your bike becomes virtually invisible in police databases.
Where to find your serial number
Most common location (70% of bikes)
Bottom bracket: Turn bike upside down, look where pedals attach to frame
Usually stamped into metal, 7-10 characters
Other locations to check
- • Head tube: Front of bike where handlebars attach (Rad Power, some Schwinn)
- • Rear dropout: Where rear wheel attaches (BMX bikes, older Schwinn)
- • Chain stays: Frame tubes running to rear wheel
- • Seat tube: Where seat post inserts
- • Down tube: May be on sticker underneath
Carbon frames: Often use stickers instead of stamping. Check all frame junctions.
Essential documentation checklist
Complete documentation checklist
Bike identification
- Serial number (check all locations above)
- Make & model (exact names, year if known)
- Color scheme (primary/secondary colors)
- Frame size (e.g., 56cm, Large, 19")
- Type (road, mountain, hybrid, e-bike)
- Value (purchase price & current estimate)
Visual documentation
- Drive-side photo (right side showing gears)
- Distinguishing features (stickers, damage, modifications)
- Accessories (lights, computers, bags)
- Component upgrades (custom parts)
Proof of ownership
- Purchase receipt (store or online)
- Credit card statement (showing purchase)
- Service records (bike shop receipts)
- Registration (Bike Index, 529 Garage)
- Insurance documents (if covered)
- Photos with bike (you as owner)
Theft circumstances information
Location and timing details
Exact location information
- • Street address or intersection
- • Type of location (home, business, public rack)
- • Specific spot (front yard, bike room, street pole)
- • Nearby landmarks or businesses
- • Whether location has security cameras
Time window
- • Last time you saw bike (date and time)
- • When you discovered theft
- • Narrowest possible time window
Security information
- • Lock type and brand (U-lock, chain, cable)
- • How bike was locked (frame only, frame + wheel)
- • What bike was locked to
- • Condition of lock remains (bring if possible)
Additional helpful information
Witnesses and surveillance
- Names and contact info of anyone who saw theft
- Nearby businesses that might have cameras
- Building security or management contacts
- Other theft victims from same location
Online marketplace evidence
If you've already spotted your bike online:
- Screenshot of the listing
- Copy the URL (https:// address)
- Seller's username and contact info
- Any communication with seller
Common problems and solutions
No serial number?
Without a serial number, recovery chances drop dramatically, but still report! Provide:
- • Extremely detailed description of unique features
- • Multiple photos from different angles
- • Any custom modifications or damage
- • Component serial numbers (wheels, groupset)
- • Consider registering remaining bikes immediately
What police do with this information
Understanding how police use your information helps you provide better details:
- Database entry: Serial number entered into NCIC (National Crime Information Center)
- Pattern analysis: Location/time data identifies theft hotspots
- Recovery matching: Found bikes checked against database
- Prosecution evidence: Documentation proves ownership in court
- Insurance verification: Report validates insurance claims
Preparation tips
Before theft happens
Take these steps now for all your bikes:
- • Record serial numbers: Store in phone, cloud, and written
- • Take photos: Full bike, serial number, unique features
- • Keep receipts: Scan and save digitally
- • Register bikes: Free services like Bike Index
- • Document upgrades: Save receipts for components
- • Update annually: New photos if bike changes
Making your report count
The thoroughness and accuracy of your report directly impacts recovery chances. Even with perfect documentation, police recover only 2-5% of stolen bikes. However, bikes with serial numbers and complete documentation have significantly better odds.
Remember: Only 37% of bike theft victims report to police. By filing a complete report with all necessary information, you're already ahead of most victims and contributing to better crime statistics that drive prevention resources.
Final checklist before reporting
Ready to report?
Take action now
Whether your bike was just stolen or you're preparing for the worst, having this information ready makes all the difference. The few minutes spent gathering proper documentation could be the difference between recovery and permanent loss.
Get started immediately
Time is critical. Use these resources to file your report with complete information.