What to do if you spot your bike offline?

John Moss
By John Moss
June 7, 2012

Heres a post that was featured on the local bristol stolen bike blog

So what to do if you spot your bike or one that has been reported stolen here (or anywhere else for that matter)….

First off, check once, check twice that it’s the same make and model of bike. Keep an eye out for any identifying details in the description.

If you see someone riding a bike that you’re certain matches the description of a stolen one, ring 999. As far as the police are concerned, it’s a crime in progress.

If you spot an abandoned bike, or one locked up somewhere, you can phone the police non-emergency number 101.

Worried about “wasting police time”? Don’t be – any report made in good faith will be welcome. Calls to one number can also be transferred to the other if the operator feels it’s more or less urgent.

Do the police follow up calls like this? It depends on the resources they have available at a particular time, but if there’s a unit free, they will go and check it out.

I’m sure you’ve found the above useful. If you spot a stolen bike that is featured on this website you can also contact the user using our online form. There may even be a reward for this information.