The police would again like to remind cyclists: If you do not know your bicycle’s identification number or other individual identification details, it is a good idea to document them, for example, with your cell phone camera.
According to Jyrki Aho , Chief Superintendent of the National Police Board, bicycle thefts have been as common as last year during the first four months of the year, which means that the police has registered almost 3,400 reports. In 2018, more than 19,600 bicycle thefts were reported to the police
Aho says that bicycle thefts are often connected to young people who are addicted to drugs or other substances, but repeat offenders and professional criminals also steal bicycles.
Jopos and electric bicycles popular among thieves
Jopo remains one of the favourites among criminals, and during this year, 325 Jopos have been reported stolen.
Thieves are also drawn to electric bicycles, and thefts have almost doubled since last year which means that almost 100 reports have been filed this year.
Bicycles are usually stolen where they are stored: at railway stations, yards and bike sheds.
Jyrki Aho advises bicycle owners to store their bicycles carefully. The bicycle should have a good lock, and a good strategy is to lock the bicycle’s frame into a stand or equivalent.
Do not buy a suspicious bicycle
Jyrki Aho emphasises that if you are at all suspicious about the origins of a bicycle that is being sold, do not buy it. If the bicycles do not sell, there will be less thefts.
“If you buy for example online a bicycle that is later discovered to be stolen, you will lose the bicycle, and you might also be punished in the form of a fine. The stolen bicycle is returned to its owner. Therefore it is important that the police receives with the crime report necessary identification information to be used in the search warrant.”
Jyrki Aho advises buyers to always draw up a proper contract of sale stating the seller, the price and information about the bicycle. It is always good for the buyer to also obtain the bicycle’s previous certifications of purchase, guarantee documentation etc.
If your bicycle is stolen, report the crime and make an enquiry to the lost property office
So what should I do if my bicycle is stolen?
“In addition to reporting the crime, you should make an enquiry to the police’s lost property office. The police receives every year a large number of found bicycles, many of which have definitely been stolen. The owner can most easily identify their bicycle if they have the identification information,” says Aho.
If you find an abandoned bicycle, notify the owner or the police. You can also publish on social media, which is often the most efficient way to spread the word.
Cyclist checklist:
Make sure you bike is roadworthy. Check tire pressure and breaks. Additionally, ensure that you have all mandatory reflectors (front, back, pedals and tires), a bell and a front light, which is mandatory in the dark.
Photograph and write down a description of your bike (brand, model, color, size and possible identification number) in case it gets stolen.
Polish your helmet for the streets. Using a bike helmet is recommended. In case of an accident, it will protect your most valuable body part.
Lock your bike properly whenever you park it. Buy a decent lock that enables you to secure it to a bicycle stand or similar object. A proper lock is cheaper than a new bike. Also, make sure to park your bike so that it doesn't block traffic or rescue roads.
Avoid bike rage. Revise traffic regulations to make sure your knowledge is up-to-date. In case of mistakes, stay cool and confront involved parties in a peaceful manner.
Did your bike get stolen? You will have to report an offence. Luckily, you have written down a description of your bike in case of misfortunes like this. You can report the crime electronically: www.asiointi.poliisi.fi
Did you see a bicycle that looks stolen? ontact the nearest police station, so the police can collect the bicycle according to the law on lost property.
Police wishes every bike rider safe kilometers and patience in the traffic!
