Every minute, a bike disappears in France: more than 420,000 thefts were recorded in 2024, according to the Ministry of the Interior. During the same period, the platform VeloPerdu reported more than 1,000 thefts per day and noted that nearly 2.9 million bicycles are stolen each year in Europe.
In response to this surge, we’ve put together this guide. It gathers key figures from 2024, the most commonly used techniques by thieves, reflexes to adopt in case of theft, and the most effective solutions to deal with it – from mandatory marking to next-generation locks, not forgetting GPS protection with the Bike Tracker Invoxia.
2024 Statistics: Where Does Bike Theft Stand in France? #
In France alone, nearly half a million bike thefts are recorded each year. In 2024, there were 420,000, an 8% increase from 2023. This equates to 1 theft per minute on average, placing France among the unfortunate champions in terms of bike theft.
And while more of you are adopting cycling into your daily lives each year, these thefts still discourage many of you. Between the simple fear of being stolen or the trauma of an experienced theft, about 80,000 people abandon this mode of transportation each year according to the FUB.
💡 Thefts are concentrated in large urban areas, unsecured residential parking lots, and cellars. The rise of e-bikes further increases the allure, which according to our latest study, represents 65% of thefts.
Bike Thefts Worldwide: A Quick Overview #
| Country / Zone | Annual Thefts 2024 | Evolution | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | > 2,000,000 | +15 % | Bike Index – 2025 Report |
| United Kingdom | 77,000 | –1 % | TheBestBikeLock – Stats UK |
| Netherlands | 86,000 | +1,000 | DutchNews – March 27, 2025 |
| Denmark | ≈ 70,000 | Stable | Bikefinder – Europe & USA |
| Italy | ≈ 320,000 | n/d | Bikefinder – Europe & USA |
| Europe (27) | ≈ 2.9 million | n/d | VeloPerdu |
(Studies estimate that one in two thefts is never reported, so the actual figures are much higher.)
How Is Your Bike Stolen? The 6 Favorite Techniques of Thieves #
Just because you’re equipped with a lock that seems foolproof doesn’t mean your bike is completely safe. Thieves today use many techniques to overcome obstacles and make off with your bike.
- Cordless angle grinder: cuts a lock in < 20 s according to tests by TheBestBikeLock.
- Hydraulic jack (“bottle-jack”): inserted into a too-large U, it “pops” even the most robust models; demonstrated here: hydraulic jack attacks.
- Lift-over: slide the bike and lock over poorly chosen street furniture.
- Bolt cutter: effective against chains < 0.5 inches; case study on TheBestBikeLock.
- Hammer strike: if the lock drags on the ground, a few blows are enough to break it.
- Opportunistic “ride-away”: bike not attached or hastily locked; ten seconds is enough.
💡 Our Anti-Bike Theft Tips #
- Fill the free space in your U-lock; the less play there is, the harder it is for the jack or cutter to fit.
- Multiply protections: 37% of cyclists who used only a simple lock had their bike stolen, while 43% of people using a GPS tracker and another protection were never stolen*.
- Don’t let your guard down at home: 50% of thefts occur at your place.
Your Bike Has Disappeared? 5 Steps to Maximize Your Chances of Finding It #
If your bike is stolen, it is essential to follow these steps to hope to find it quickly:
- File a complaint within 24 hours (at the station or online): this step is necessary for insurance and investigation, and can be done fairly quickly through Service-public: online complaint.
- Report the theft on BicyCode if your bike was marked: this action blocks resale and helps alert law enforcement. Marking your bike costs almost nothing but can save you a lot of trouble!
- Report on VeloPerdu and your social networks: the engaged community often spots the bike before it disappears for good.
- Monitor classifieds and sites like LeBonCoin: many bikes reappear online.
- Activate your Theft File if you have an Invoxia GPS tracker: this file lists all essential information about your bike, as well as a QR code with its location to share with authorities.
I contacted the municipal police who quickly arrived at the location where my bike was. The signal became stronger on the app and I was able to make the tracker ring. I spotted my bike hidden in a bush. The precision was about 30 feet, it was really great.
Protect Yourself: Combine Lock, Marking… and Smart Tracking #
Choose the Right Lock for Your Bike #
- Standard to aim for: Sold Secure Gold/Platinum or ART 3+.
- Minimum thickness: U or chain ≥ 0.5 inches to discourage bolt cutters and hydraulic jacks.
- Anti-grinder: opt for new composite models (e.g., Litelok X1 or Abus Super Extreme 2500) capable of withstanding several minutes of grinding.
- Use it well: fill the free space in the U, always attach frame + wheel to a fixed point, and avoid the lock touching the ground (limits the “ground attack” with a hammer).
Mandatory Marking #
Since January 1, 2021, every new bike sold in France must be
identified and registered.
The BicyCode number inscribed on the frame facilitates restitution and deters illegal resale.
Consider Insurance #
- Theft outdoors: covered if the bike is attached to a fixed point with an approved lock.
- Theft at home: often requires a closed space (cellar or garage); reduced deductible if conditions are met.
- Bonus: some insurances also reimburse accessories and offer an assistance option for cyclist repatriation.
Invoxia GPS Tracker: Proactive Defense #
In addition to a lock, we also add a GPS tracking solution, which allows you to be alerted and track your bike’s position wherever it goes.
- Anti-theft alarm: immediate push notification as soon as suspicious movement is detected.
- Recovery rate multiplied by 10 on average* for people equipped with a tracker.
- Discreet installation: integrates into a reflector simply attached to the bike, invisible to thieves.
🚲 Protect Your Bike Discreetly
#
Receive an alert at the slightest suspicious movement and track your two-wheeler throughout Europe with the Bike Tracker Invoxia (3 years of subscription included).
Bike theft remains a scourge, but it is not inevitable. By combining:
- a high-end lock,
- the mandatory marking,
- the proactive geolocation of the Bike Tracker Invoxia,
…you drastically reduce the risk of permanently losing your ride. Adopt these good habits today and ride with peace of mind!
*Study conducted by Invoxia in October 2024 on 7325 respondents in France