Bicycle Thefts Are Becoming More Expensive

Spring awakens – and with it, the bicycle thieves. Last year, AXA, the largest general insurer in Switzerland, paid 21 million Swiss francs for stolen bicycles, with 9,000 cases reported. This is around ten percent less than the previous year; however, the average damage per case reached a new record of CHF 2,350. This is almost double the amount from ten years ago. "Bicycles are becoming more expensive, and the proportion of e-bikes has increased – a lucrative prey for thieves," explains Stefan Müller, Head of Property Claims at AXA. An e-bike theft costs the insurer an average of 3,000 francs.

Be Careful in Basel and Solothurn Throughout Switzerland, one in every 91 insured households was affected by bicycle theft last year. This was fewer than in the previous three years. "An encouraging development, the reasons for which we do not fully understand. Bicycles may be more consciously and better secured, or there are fewer bicycle thieves," according to Stefan Müller. A look at the Swiss map reveals regional differences: Basel-Stadt remains the unrivaled bicycle theft hotspot. Every 27th insured household had to report a missing bicycle to AXA last year. Residents in Basel-Land (every 41st household) and Solothurn (every 57th household) were also very frequently affected. In the canton of Geneva, the bicycle theft rate has significantly reduced compared to the previous year (from every 46th to every 67th household). The fewest thieves seem to be in Ticino, where only every 535th household lost a bicycle to thieves. The risk there was 20 times smaller than in Basel-Stadt. The rate was also low in Nidwalden (every 248th household) and Valais (every 225th household). (The rates for all cantons are available under "Downloads.")

"One driver for the regional differences could be the proximity to borders, where there are increasingly organized gangs that transport bicycles abroad," says Stefan Müller. "Another reason is probably bicycle-friendly cities, where the 'supply' for thieves is very good." The urban-rural divide is also evident in the statistics: Eight of the ten largest Swiss cities have a bicycle theft rate that is above the Swiss average. Only Lugano and St. Gallen have below-average values.

How to Protect Your Bicycle Observing some precautionary measures can minimize the risk of losing your bicycle. "If possible, a bicycle should be parked in a lockable or monitored location," recommends Stefan Müller. Additional security is provided by securing the bicycle frame with a high-quality lock to a fixed and anchored spot, so the bike cannot easily be carried away. If it does go missing, it should be reported to the police as quickly as possible. Knowing the brand, exact model name, and frame number increases the chances of seeing it again. It is also advisable to label the bike or e-bike – there are bike vignettes available to register your vehicle online for this purpose. "In addition to organized crime, where large numbers of bicycles are transported away, we also observe many opportunistic thefts, where a bicycle is used for a stretch and then left behind," says Stefan Müller. Thus, there is a chance of seeing the bike or e-bike again.

Bicycle theft is covered by household insurance. If the bicycle is stolen while not at home but on the move, additional coverage for "simple theft away from home" is necessary.

Editor's note: Image rights belong to the respective publisher. Image rights: AXA Versicherungen