Theft-proof locks
The best protection against theft is provided by sturdy chain, U-locks or folding locks. These should be large enough to lock the bike to a fixed object, for example a bike stand or lamp post.
Pay attention to quality when buying: choose a certified lock with a solid locking system made of high-quality material, for example through-hardened special steel. Expect to pay around five to ten percent of the bike price for the purchase of a good theft-proof bike lock. The following applies: the lighter and more expensive a bike, the heavier and more expensive the lock should be.
Parking bikes safely
Always lock the bike with the bike frame to a firmly anchored object, such as a bike stand, even if you are only away for a short time. Locking only the front and rear wheels is not enough protection against thieves. They can easily carry away or load blocked bikes. Also secure the front and rear wheels by locking them together with the frame, for example.
The bike should also always be locked in bicycle storage rooms, basements or stairwells. If this is not possible, you can lock several bikes together. Also make sure that access doors are locked.
Publicity can protect against thieves. Therefore, avoid dark corners, secluded places or streets with poor visibility to park your bike.
Always take valuable accessories such as the battery with you. Without a battery, the bike is practically worthless. If this is too inconvenient for you, be sure to secure the battery with an additional sturdy lock to prevent theft. The battery locks that many electric bikes have are generally not sufficient as theft protection.
In view of the high value of electric bikes, you should generally use several locks for theft protection.
Theft protection with GPS tracking
GPS trackers are hidden transmitters on the bike that alert the owner by text message if the parked bike is moved. They also continuously transmit the current location of the bike. If your bike is stolen, you can pinpoint its current location. However, never go looking for your bike on your own, always contact the police.
Registering bikes
All important bike data is entered into a database and assigned a number. This number is affixed to the bike on a sticker. If the bike is stolen and found by the police, it can be quickly assigned to the rightful owner.
Bikes are marked and registered in the Steinfurt district police department under the motto "No bike without a license plate". This is possible at all police stations and at the relevant district services. To register, you must bring an identification document, the bicycle and proof of ownership for the bicycle.
Recovering stolen bicycles
If your bicycle has been stolen, report the theft to the police. It is important that you can describe the bike in as much detail as possible. This will help the officers to assign recovered bikes to their rightful owners.