The Benelux countries and the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia are joining forces to tackle the growing issue of cross-border bicycle theft, they announced on Tuesday.
Millions of bicycles disappear in Europe every year, often stolen by organised networks operating across national borders. By working together, the Benelux countries and North Rhine-Westphalia aim to speed up investigations and significantly increase the chances of catching bicycle thieves.
The number of stolen electric bicycles in Europe has increased by 30 per cent in recent years
In the Netherlands, thousands of bicycles disappear every month, while tens of thousands of bicycles are stolen every year in Germany, often crossing the border in the process. Additionally, the number of stolen electric bicycles in Europe has increased by 30 per cent in recent years.
Improving data exchange
“Bicycle theft is not a minor problem,” said Frans Weekers, secretary-general of the Benelux Union. “It undermines citizens’ confidence in sustainable mobility and discourages people from using bicycles,” he said.
Plans are in place to link national bicycle registration systems, such as the Belgian MyBike platform
The Benelux countries and North Rhine-Westphalia have therefore proposed three concrete measures. Firstly, police forces will improve data exchange to enable stolen bicycles to be identified and traced more quickly, even if they are found in a neighbouring country.
Secondly, they will strengthen police cooperation through joint checks and investigations, for example. Finally, plans are in place to link national bicycle registration systems, such as the Belgian MyBike platform. This will enable ownership rights to be checked more quickly.
© PHOTO WOLFRAM STEINBERG / DPA
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