In the police region Amsterdam-Amstelland, 16% of the total number of bicycles are stolen every year, according to the Politiemonitor Bevolking 2001 [2001 Police Population Monitor]. The problem of bicycle theft is the reason why too many residents in Amsterdam cycle on substandard bicycles, no longer have a bicycle or are unwilling to use their expensive bicycle. This is a negative development in view of the fact that bicycle use is an important spearhead in the traffic and transport policy in Amsterdam.
The integral Bicycle Theft Prevention programme [Fietsendiefstalpreventie] 2002 – 2006 describes the plans to tackle the problem of bicycle theft in Amsterdam. This programme provides an integral approach to the problem of bicycle theft aimed at reducing bicycle thefts in Amsterdam by 4 percent compared to the year 2001 to a maximum of 12% in 2006, based on figures from the Politiemonitor Bevolking.
The programme is based on two pillars, i.e. the approach to locations where many bicycles are stolen and breaking the chain of non-registered bicycles.
The emphasis in 2002 will lie on completing feasible projects and/or measures.
The approach is based on the idea that small successes will gradually result in a change of philosophy regarding the way in which different target groups (including bicycle owners, occasional thieves and sector) view the problem of theft.