Who steals bikes where? (2023, 26 p.)

This aimis to shed light on the perpetrators and methods involved from both criminalistic and criminological viewpoints. Utilizing police statistics from Hamburg and Berlin, alongside insights from Brandenburg police, the authors identify distinct patterns, suggesting the involvement of both opportunistic thieves and more organized groups, including some with international ties focused on stealing higher-value bikes for resale abroad. The paper also critically notes the limitations of official data (the "Hellfeld") due to underreporting and highlights the significant "Dunkelfeld" (unreported crimes) in bicycle theft.