Stichting Verzekeringsbureau Voertuigcriminaliteit (VbV) offers a streamlined process for reporting stolen bicycles and e-bikes in the Netherlands. The website provides direct links to file police reports online for regular bicycles and e-bikes. For speed pedelecs, which require registration, owners must report the theft to VbV with their license plate and identification code before being redirected to file a police report. After reporting, the vehicle is flagged as stolen in national and international databases within 30 minutes, significantly increasing recovery chances. VbV emphasizes the importance of reporting theft to insurance companies, even if the bike isn't insured against theft, to temporarily suspend coverage. The foundation notes that e-bikes are particularly targeted, with 200-300 stolen daily in the Netherlands. The website promotes the "STAAT-E-LEKKER" campaign, which encourages cyclists to use an extra lock, secure bikes to fixed objects, and take additional precautions. VbV recently took over the tasks of the Foundation for Tackling Bicycle and E-bike Theft (S.A.F.E.) to strengthen the fight against increasingly professional theft rings targeting e-bikes. This integration allows insurers to better coordinate their efforts and elevate their joint approach.
