What is the best way to lock my bike?
"With a high-quality U-lock, chain lock or folding lock, on a firmly anchored object in a busy place. A bicycle parking space is ideal, but a lamppost will also work. Chain not only the tires, but also the frame."

How can I prepare in advance for an emergency?
"Keep all invoices and the bike passport with the manufacturer, brand and frame number. Take photos of your bike and make a note of any features that cannot be changed. Have your bike registered by the ADFC or the police during a coding campaign. A number will be stamped into the frame. If the stolen bike is found, you can be notified immediately."

Why are thieves so rarely caught?
"Unfortunately, bicycle theft is a mass phenomenon in this country that is not taken very seriously by the state. Last year, the nationwide detection rate was just 8.8 percent, and even lower in major cities. Secure bicycle parking garages and parking spaces at train stations and public buildings are urgently needed. It would also be helpful if the police deployed more investigators and plainclothes officers to monitor the places where a lot of bikes are known to be stolen."

Does insurance against theft make sense?
"Household contents insurance policies often offer additional insurance for bicycles, but you should pay attention to the conditions: Compensation is subject to an upper limit of 1 to 3 percent of the household contents sum insured. For a small household with a very expensive bicycle, this is often not enough to compensate for the loss. In the event of theft between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., some insurance companies will only pay if the bike was in a locked room. In any case, the best protection against bicycle theft remains a very good lock."

What can I do if my bike has been stolen?
"Report the theft to the police immediately with exact details from the bike pass and ideally also with a photo. The report and a certificate from the police stating that the bike has not been
has not been recovered must then be presented to the insurance company so that it will pay out. You can also find further helpful information on the ADFC website at www.adfc.de/technik/diebstahl