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PP Cologne

Tips and measures to protect against theft

Every year, an average of 8,000 bicycle thefts are reported to the police in Cologne and Leverkusen. There is no such thing as 100% security to prevent bicycle theft, but with our tips and preventive measures you can make it more difficult for your bicycle and e-bike to be stolen!

Prevention

Some basic rules for securing your bike, e-bike or pedelec:

Connect and not just lock:

One lock is good, two locks are better. Secure your bike with a certified lock to prevent it from being ridden or carried away by attaching the frame and preferably a wheel to an object that is firmly anchored to the ground.

Parking options:

Park your bike, e-bike or pedelec in public places where possible. Cologne and Leverkusen offer bike stations with guarded - but chargeable - parking spaces in central locations. At home, it is best to store your bike in closed rooms, for example in the basement or in lockable bike boxes. Insurance conditions should also be observed here.

Invest not only in the bike, but also in the lock:

Calculate around 10 percent of the bike price for the purchase of a lock and look for certifications independent of the manufacturer, for example from VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH and the Allgemeiner Deutscher Fahrrad-Club (ADFC). Even a certified VdS security class A lock will make things difficult for thieves. Locks with the additional "+" symbol are suitable for connecting to a railing, for example. If you opt for a combination lock, the longer the number sequence, the more difficult it is to crack the code. The market also offers bike locks with innovative alarm systems that emit acoustic signals as soon as unwanted movements are registered or can be linked to smartphone apps.

GPS tracker:

Bikes can also be fitted with a GPS transmitter. For pedelecs in particular, there is the option of installing the GPS tracker in the motor housing and charging it via the pedelec. A corresponding app can then be used to quickly and easily identify the location of the bike/pedelec in the event of theft and possibly also identify the perpetrators.

Attention: Never take up the pursuit alone, but always inform the police by calling "110".

You can obtain relevant information on different systems and installation options from specialist dealers or on the Internet. With e-bikes and pedelecs, it is also advisable to remove the battery and speedometer unit after parking the bike and take them with you. This makes them less attractive as stolen property.

Bike pass:

All important information about your bike, such as the frame number, color and other special features, should be noted in a bike pass. The bike passport is available as a printed version, but also as a free app for smartphones.

Coding:

A personal code is stamped onto the frame of the bike using an engraving machine. The police and lost and found office can use this code to identify the owner of the bike. The ADFC, some insurance companies or associations offer coding upon presentation of proof of ownership.

Further information can be found here:

Internet page of the Polizei-Beratung,
Internet page of the VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH,
Interior page of the Allgemeinen Deutschen Fahrrad-Clubs,
Internet site "Radstation Köln",
Internet site for "bike and ride" facilities in Leverkusen.

and on our homepage or by calling 0221 229-8655.

Would you like to be informed about other dates or information events organized by the Cologne police? Here you will find an overview of current and future dates!