PROPERTYROOM.COM'S NATIONAL BIKE MONTH SURVEY REVEALS SOME SURPRISING RESULTS ABOUT STOLEN BIKES

May 01, 2013

Written by Bart de Jong

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Whether a bicycle is used for commuting, leisure play or exercise, it's a common denominator among most American families. Each year, online police auction site PropertyRoom.com sells more than 30,000 unclaimed bikes to their more than 1.5 million registered users nationwide. The website auctions goods seized during raids, forfeited by criminals, or unclaimed by the original owners by working with almost 3,000 police departments and municipalities nationwide.

In a recent survey released for May's National Bike Month,

PropertyRoom.com reveals some background on the nation's single most popular stolen item: the bicycle. The survey shows that while almost 50% of Americans have experienced a bike theft, only 40% of the victims elected to report it to the police. Of that number, 83% did not have their bikes returned. Yet, close to 30,000 police recovered bikes end up going unclaimed every year and after attempts to return to their rightful owners are not fruitful, they end up for public auction on PropertyRoom.com.

With this alarming research and Bike to School Day approaching May 8, Bike to Work Week May 13, and Bike to Work Day May 17, the experts at PropertyRoom.com are sharing tips to increase chances of recovery.

1. Personalize your bicycle in a permanent way for quick detection, keep a record of serial numbers or receipts, snap a quick photo to keep available on your electronic devices and use a secure lock on your bicycle.

2. Call and report the theft to the local police station immediately and be willing to provide as much information as possible.

3. Send out a social media blast and alert your social networks as the extra awareness will increase the odds of your item being returned.

4. Keep following up with the police department as items can be recovered long after the initial theft and also browse PropertyRoom.com for the stolen bicycle. If you can prove ownership, the bike will be immediately returned free of charge.