With the rise in costs of bikes over the last few years, they have become more of a target when it comes to robberies, even the World Tour are not safe from it. This can either be from a break-in at home, or bikes being stolen while out on the road. There are various things you can do to help prevent this, but in the unfortunate event of it happening, there are several key steps that you should take.
First steps
If you can’t see the tracking or it is far away already, call the police and report the theft. This is the first step to ensuring that all details are passed on to police, and if anyone is able to act they can do so as fast as possible.
Gather evidence
After reporting to the police, and before contacting your insurer, you will need to make sure you have gathered as much evidence as possible. Many insurers will only pay out if certain thresholds have been met. For example, using a bike lock, or making sure a bike is padlocked wherever it is stored using a ground lock.
You want to be able to give a clear description of what happened as well as fine details of the bike and distinguishing factors. Specific components, customisation features, anything that might assist in it being identifiable.
This is when you need to contact your insurance, be that specific bike cover, or part of your home insurance. They will want to see evidence, details of the stolen item, and also proof of purchase of the bike.
Be vigilant
The next stage is an agonising one, but scouring the likes of eBay, Facebook marketplace, Craigslist and other selling sites for appearances of your bike is the next step. Quite often the bikes get exported and sold abroad, but there have been stories of people seeing their pride and joy popping up on the local sales page.
At this point, while you might be tempted to pose as an interested buyer, offer to take it for a test ride and disappear into the distance, you should contact the police and inform them if it matches your…
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