Patterns in Bike Theft and Recovery

Abstract

Limited research on the patterns of bicycle theft and recovery makes it difficult to tackle the issue of bicycle theft. Our goal is to generate knowledge that can reduce the negative impacts of bicycle theft by better understanding patterns in bicycle theft and recovery. We analyzed data from a North American survey on bicycle theft conditions and recovery circumstances. Results indicate that the reported stolen bicycles were usually locked (59%), and stolen overnight (41%) from enclosed spaces (28%). 15% of stolen bicycles are recovered. Reporting the stolen bicycle on a variety of channels could increase the chance to recover them.