Bicycle thefts in Hesse: fewer cases, but increasing damage!

Bicycle thefts in Hesse: fewer cases, but increasing damage!

Cycling is trendy - but unfortunately so is bike stealing. In Hesse, 14,435 bicycle thefts were recorded last year, around 500 fewer than the previous year. Despite this encouraging figure, there is a catch: the total damage caused has risen to over 23 million euros. The clearance rate, however, remains low at just 10 percent, which means only 1,446 cases could be solved. These numbers show that bike safety continues to be a big issue, especially in urban areas.

Where are bicycles most at risk? Public places such as sidewalks, train stations and even swimming pools are particularly popular with thieves. But private rooms, such as basements or laundry rooms, are also not safe. Despite the falling number of cases, the improvements in parking facilities and safety precautions cannot be overlooked; Modern technologies such as tracking systems and facial recognition software could thwart thieves, but they have their limits.

Current trends and developments

In Kassel, however, the situation looks completely different. The number of bike thefts has risen sharply here: 1,939 cases were reported in 2023, which is over 32 percent more than in the previous year. Dieter Seidel, a city councilor for the SPD, received particular attention because he was unable to protect his e-bike from being stolen despite modern security measures – Abus folding locks and an Apple Airtag. Although the police were able to locate the stolen bike using the GPS signal, they were unable to intervene because the legal framework did not allow a search without a warrant. Another example shows that even a 42-year-old found his mountain bike again - but only after the caretaker gave him access to the communal cellar.

The experiences of Seidel and others show that GPS trackers are a valuable tool, but do not always lead to success. In addition, theft of e-bikes is particularly popular, which is also reflected in the numbers. Despite the frustration of such losses, after the second theft, Seidel decided to buy new e-bikes with better locks and an integrated alarm system. Heeding tips from the police help to significantly reduce the likelihood of theft: sturdy U-locks or armored cable locks, attaching bicycles to fixed objects and parking them in busy places can significantly increase security.

Conclusion and outlook

Bicycle theft remains a problem in Germany that should not be underestimated, even if the numbers in Hesse are slowly falling. The increased damage amounts show that thieves are doing good business. The combination of modern security precautions and the right education can help further reduce the number of bicycle thefts. E-bike owners in particular are required to secure their bikes optimally, as simple locks alone are often not enough. What does the future hold? That remains to be seen, but cycling enthusiasts should remain vigilant and take good precautions.

The figures from Hesse and Kassel give food for thought and make it clear: bicycle safety concerns us all. If you love your bike, lock it properly!

For detailed information on bicycle thefts in Hesse, see FFH. Reported on the situation in Kassel HNA.