Bicycle thefts in Austria are increasing again: 10% more stolen bikes in 2023

Bicycle thefts in Austria are increasing again: 10% more stolen bikes in 2023

The number of bicycle thefts in Austria has increased again since 2014, with ten percent more bicycles stolen in 2023 than in the previous year, according to the Austrian Transport Club (VCÖ). This corresponded to 18,566 officially reported thefts, with 60 percent of them taking place in the state capitals. A notable exception was Vienna, where almost seven percent fewer bicycles were stolen compared to the previous year.

In the case of a stolen or partially damaged bicycle, the question often arises as to when the insurance company will be liable for the resulting damage. Various factors play a role, such as the type of insurance policy, the exact circumstances of the theft or damage, and compliance with agreed security precautions. In many cases, household contents insurance can also provide protection for stolen or damaged bicycles, but you should check the exact conditions and coverage amounts.

If your bicycle is stolen or damaged, it is advisable to report it to the police as quickly as possible and report the incident to your insurance company. Depending on the insurance policy, different documents and information may be required to properly process the claim. It may also make sense to keep photos of the stolen or damaged bike as well as the purchase receipt or an invoice as proof.

To best protect yourself against bicycle theft, we recommend securing your bicycle with a high-quality lock and storing it in a safe place. In addition, registering the bike with the police or in appropriate databases can help increase the chances of recovery in the event of theft. It is important to take preventive measures as well as to be well prepared in the event of theft in order to minimize the damage.