Fietsberaad reports that the Foundation for Tackling Bicycle and E-bike Theft (S.A.F.E.) launched a campaign against e-bike theft on March 4, 2024, under the slogan "STAAT-E-LEKKER." According to the 2023 Safety Monitor published by the Central Bureau of Statistics, the percentage of Dutch people experiencing bike theft has increased by 25% from 4% in 2021 to 5% in 2023. Rogier Eenkhoorn from S.A.F.E. notes a clear shift from shoplifting, car theft, and home burglaries to bicycle theft due to lower chances of getting caught, lighter sentences, and higher profits. E-bike owners often underestimate the risk despite their bikes' average value of €2,600. Thieves primarily target shopping areas, station areas, and homes, using tools that can break a ring lock within seconds. The campaign advises e-bike owners to always use the ring lock and a second lock to secure the bike and front wheel to something fixed, even at home in the shed. Additional recommendations include registering the bike or installing a track-and-trace system. The multi-year "STAAT-E-LEKKER" campaign is an initiative of S.A.F.E., the Center for Crime Prevention and Safety (CCV), and insurers including Achmea, ANWB Unigarant, ENRA, Kingpolis, ASR, and Univé, with support from partners like Fietsersbond, Nederlandse Spoorwegen, lock manufacturers, bicycle dealers, municipalities, and police.
