Bicycle theft is a major problem for cyclists. It has a marked negative influence on bicycle use, possession of bicycles, the quality of the bicycle, traffic safety and safety perception. This makes bicycle a major impediment to traffic and transport strategies aiming to increase bicycle use over short distances. Fear of bicycle theft is the reason most cited by car drivers for not using a bicycle over short distances.
This publication has been developed by Fietsersbond and Centrum voor Criminaliteitspreventie en Veiligheid in order to help local authorities and police develop good methods of tackling bicycle thefts. These recommendations state what could in general be done in a local approach to prevent bicycle theft. Moreover the issue of bicycle theft can be provided with the necessary argumentation and background information. One conclusion is that prevention of bicycle theft requires an integral approach supervised by the local authorities:
- Integral means a connection between measures in the various stages of the safety chain (proactive, preventative, preparation, repression and aftercare).
- Integral means a connection between the various aspects measures reflect on (location, object, circumstances, offenders and victims).
- Integral means co-ordination between all relevant parties (local authorities, police, prosecution, institutional organisations, business, organisations and civilians).