Here is what you need to do in the unfortunate event your bike is stolen:

  1. Call the police and report it! Provide them with as much information as possible, including a photo of your bike, its serial number, any distinctive features, and a receipt or invoice.
  2. If your bike was insured, contact the insurance company (within 24 hours). Keep in mind that if you carry a renter’s insurance policy, if the bike was parked outside of your apartment it may be covered as well. 
  3. List your bike as stolen on websites like Bike Index and National Bike Registry.
  4. Check online sites like Craigslist and eBay to see whether your bike has been listed for sale. The listing description will most likely be generic and broad, without much detailed information of your bike’s features. You can create “alert” searches on these sites to email you daily with listings of products that match your search. If you think you have found your bike, notify the police first before confronting or meeting anyone.
  5. Let people know! Blast it on social media sites like Twitter, Facebook, Yelp, etc. Look at bike theft forums and be sure to visit or call local bike shops, especially those that sell or trade used bikes Both friends and strangers can help you spread the word and the more you do, the more likely that someone will make a connection.