Bike theft research: Filling the gaps.
Some ideas to better understand bike theft.
What we don't understand about bike theft. Yet.
For inspiration and discussion, we have listed some areas where more research and data may needed to combat bike theft better. We look forward to your comments.
Victims vs. data protection.
GPS trackers help to locate stolen bikes, but what if somebody already bought the stolen bike in good faith. Video surveillance/CCTV and data protection?
Where are stolen bikes sold?
There is little research on the distribution channel. What share of stolen bikes in sold on Facebook marketplace and similar platforms? What can platforms do.
The role of fences.
Who are fences who resell stolen bikes. Thieves are often marginalised individuals and rather immune to the threat of law enforcement, but fences may be not. Can taxation be used to sanction fences?
Found a stolen bike?
An international data base of stolen bikes, ideally based on a international or interoperable bike registries does not exist, in spite of obvious advantages. Why?
What happens to thieves?
There is limited data on the sanctions bike thieves face. Is bike theft a decriminalised crime?
Who is in charge?
A multitude of actors deal with bicylce theft. Cities, regional and national governments, law enforcement, marketplaces, insurers. Do we need the role of a bike theft coordinator?