The most common types of bicycle theft and how to deal with them?

Theft of personal property is one of the most common crimes. In popular crowded places such as shopping centers, we are constantly bombarded with announcements over loudspeakers asking us to be careful with our belongings. And yet, no matter how efficient people are, thefts continue to occur with enviable regularity.

When parking our bicycles in specialized places, we rely on the reliability of the cable and the integrity of the residents, but we cannot be sure that our two-wheeled friend chained to the rack will not be stolen from the bicycle parking lot. Sometimes neither a crowded place nor a strong chain can save you. What to do if a two-wheeled vehicle has been stolen, and how to return it?

Evidence that may help in the search

Indicate the exact details of the bicycle in the theft report:

• brand;
• color;
• model;
• performance characteristics;
• special features, for example, stickers on the steering wheel or frame, unusual nipples;
• approximate current cost of a bicycle.

Vehicle documents will provide excellent evidence that the property was indeed stolen.

If cameras are installed at the entrance or at the exit from it, you need to contact the Criminal Code with a request to provide the recording for use by both the victim and the police.

If one of the neighbors managed to notice the intruder, let him describe him as accurately as possible.

Install a bike alarm

A sound alarm with a control panel works on the same principle as a car alarm: the sensor reacts to vibration or touch, an audible signal is triggered, and you can prevent theft.

A more advanced version is a bicycle alarm with feedback. The notification comes to your smartphone, which is especially convenient.

What to buy

• Alarm in the form of a rear light from AliExpress, 1,130 rubles →
• Alarm with remote control from AliExpress, 495 rubles →
• Alarm with waterproof remote control from AliExpress, from 759 rubles →

Bicycle theft: Article 158 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation

Theft involves the secret, illegal appropriation of property belonging to another person. A bicycle can be stolen on the street, in a bicycle rack, in an administrative office, in an entrance or in a residential area.

At the same time, other persons may observe the actions of the criminal, but not even suspect that an offense is taking place. All issues related to theft and liability for it are regulated by Art. 158 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.

Corpus delicti

The object of this crime is property relations. The objective side is the unlawful taking of a bicycle.

The subjective side is characterized by the deliberate, purposeful commission of an act. The subject is a capable and sane person over the age of 16 years.

What will bike theft be like in 2022?

The degree of liability for the theft of a bicycle will depend on the amount of damage caused, that is, on its value at the time of the theft.

Therefore, during the investigation, the applicant should provide the following documents to the police:

• confirmation of the value of the stolen bicycle at the time of purchase;
• market and actual value at the time of theft.

Based on the expert's assessment of the actual value of the stolen property, the crime will be classified.

Liability for administrative violations is regulated by the Administrative Code. Article 7.27 – “Petit theft” contains the following provisions:

Petty theft of property, the value of which does not exceed 1,000 rubles in the absence of signs of acts provided for by the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, entails a fine of up to 5 times the value of the stolen property, but not less than 1,000 rubles; or administrative arrest for up to 15 days; or compulsory work for up to 15 hours. Petty theft of someone else's property worth from 1000 to 2500 rubles entails a fine of up to 5 times the value of the stolen property, but not less than 3000 rubles; or administrative arrest for a period of 10 to 15 days; or up to 120 hours of compulsory work.

Criminal liability for theft of someone else's property, including a bicycle, is established by Art. 158 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. Punishment options:

• a fine in the amount of up to 80,000 rubles or in the amount of the salary/income of the convicted person for a period of up to 6 months;
• compulsory work up to 360 hours;
• correctional labor for up to 1 year;
• restriction of freedom up to 2 years;
• forced labor for up to 2 years;
• arrest up to 4 months;
• imprisonment for up to 2 years.

The measure of liability increases if the theft of a bicycle is committed:

• a group of previously agreed persons;
• with illegal entry into the premises;
• causing significant damage.

In this case, the punishment may be as follows:

• fine up to 200,000 rubles. or in the amount of the convicted person’s salary/income for a period of up to 1.5 years;
• compulsory work up to 480 hours;
• correctional labor for up to 2 years;
• forced labor for up to 5 years with or without restriction of freedom for up to 1 year;
• up to 5 years of imprisonment + restriction of freedom for up to 1 year or without it.

The legislation recognizes significant damage as an amount from 5,000 to 250,000 rubles.

If a crime is committed by a teenager under 14 years of age, the fine will be paid by the parents or his legal representatives, and educational and explanatory measures will be applied to the culprit.

Corpus delicti

The object of this crime is property relations . They are the ones that are violated in the event of theft.

The objective side is understood as a certain kind of action, in our case – the unlawful taking of a two-wheeled vehicle .

The subjective side is expressed in motive and purpose . This is exactly what the criminal wanted when he committed the crime. That is, the crime can be considered targeted.

The subject of this crime is a person who has reached the age of sixteen and is fully sane and capable.

What to do if your bike is stolen?

If the theft was committed recently, then the criminal hardly had time to hide far. First, look around: sometimes the thief, realizing that the security system will not allow the bike to be stolen quickly and secretly, will simply abandon it, trying to escape.

Your next steps:

Call the police and report the bike theft. Carefully inspect the place where the two-wheeled vehicle was left: perhaps the “thief” in his haste dropped any documents or personal items, papers that could lead to his trace. Interview passers-by. If the vehicle was left in a crowded place, then there will definitely be witnesses, for example, employees, store clerks, vacationers. Pay attention to the cars parked nearby, talk to the drivers, perhaps the DVR camera recorded the moment of the theft and the thief himself. Describe the whole situation in detail to the arriving police officers. Indicate the exact details of the bicycle: make, color, model, performance characteristics, special features, approximate cost of the bicycle.

Most likely, police officers will offer to walk or drive along the street, courtyards and alleys. This should not be abandoned: such measures often bring quick results.

How to apply?

Be sure to file a written report of your bicycle theft with the police. The fact is that if the police find a bicycle (for example, during its resale), then in order to seize the vehicle, a written statement from the victim will be required.

Filing a complaint is the legal right of the victim, and accepting the complaint is the duty of police officers established by law.

In the statement, describe everything that concerns this situation and the bicycle. A big plus will be the purchase documents attached to the application: a cash receipt and a registration certificate, which indicates the unique number of the bicycle frame.

If you find it missing, this information will help prove that the bike is really yours.

Independent search

There are 2 sites that are a kind of database for stolen bicycles:

On these sites you need to register and enter a photo and serial number of the bike, as well as your data, into the database.

If found or matched, you will be contacted and provided with information. Here you can also get the address of possible sales points.

What to do and where to go if a bicycle is stolen from the entrance?

In this case, the principle of action is similar to that described above: you need to report the theft to the police and write a statement.

If there is a surveillance camera at the entrance, then you should ask the building manager to view the recordings.

Place a notice on the entrance door with an accurate description and photo of the stolen bicycle.

Independent searches

Unfortunately, you don’t always have to rely on the police, so search activities can be carried out independently.
Here databases of stolen bicycles , which indicate their serial numbers. Responsible buyers of used bicycles try to check these databases. Sites with databases of stolen goods can be easily found through search engines.

Additionally, it makes sense to subscribe to the newsletter of sites like AVITO about the appearance of bicycles with similar parameters for sale and periodically review the offers of private sellers. Perhaps a stolen bicycle will flash there.

Information about the theft should be disseminated on the maximum number of thematic Internet portals . Local flea markets, including virtual ones, should not be neglected, as well as the pages of settlements on social networks .

The more users see this information, the higher the chances of finding the bike. At the end of your request, you must leave your contact information.

Attention! By publishing information about the theft in the public domain, you can attract the attention of scammers who will call and offer to return the stolen property for ransom by transferring funds.

To make sure that these are really scammers, you can ask them questions regarding the appearance or parameters of the bike that are not indicated in the ad. Without answers (and your bike!), the scammers will likely disappear.

If a bicycle was found - in a junkyard or on the street - you need to use its distinctive features or number to make sure that it is indeed so and call the police. It is highly discouraged to independently take away your property using force. This will be considered robbery or even assault.

When detaining a criminal with your iron horse, documents for it will help to initiate you as the owner, and a criminal case of theft will confirm that the bicycle was stolen, and not given by you to the attacker, and will allow the latter to be brought to criminal liability.

Typical cases

A bicycle goes missing from a store. It is common for a beginner to buy a very impressive-looking lock and rely on the strength of the structure. To believe that a five-minute absence is not enough to commit a theft is a naive delusion. Some seemingly high-quality locks can be easily broken by an attacker with bare hands or a small bolt cutter. Moreover, the cameras are also unlikely to stop the thief.

Particular caution should be exercised when visiting a bike shop. In the summer, thieves often wait for visitors near sports shops to take away the bike.

An experienced swindler is capable of stealing a bicycle right from under your nose.

The bike went missing from the entrance. After getting caught in the pouring rain, they often leave the bike on the staircase to dry. The person leaves literally 10 minutes later, when the bicycle is immediately stolen from his own entrance, even with a concierge present. Such houses are of increased interest to criminals because they understand how much the residents rely on the concierge. As a result, the attacker manages to get a good jackpot. To get into the entrance, a thief just needs to use a fake key for the intercom.

Examples from judicial practice

Bicycle thefts occur in our country no less frequently than in Europe, where bicycles are the main method of transportation.

Case No. 1

An example of bicycle theft is an incident that occurred in Orel in 2012.

We invite you to read: How to transfer an inheritance to another person who is incompetent

The owner of the two-wheeler left his vehicle on the staircase, chaining the bicycle to the entrance grate.

But this did not stop the criminals from sawing off the metal chain and, while the owner lost his vigilance, leaving in an unknown direction.

Case No. 2

As for theft, another significant case occurred in Moscow.

In one of the forest parks, the attackers forcibly took away a bicycle from a couple walking in a remote area of ​​the capital and fled with it in an unknown direction.

All these examples are very indicative and teach owners of two-wheeled vehicles to be more careful, and also not to leave their property unattended, because this is fraught with various consequences that may not be very pleasant for your wallet and moral health.

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A typical case of bicycle theft occurred in Perm. Its owner left his vehicle in the entrance, on the staircase, tied with a chain to the bars. But the criminals cut down this chain and took away the vehicle. Thanks to the activity of the owner himself and the police, they were unable to complete their plan. The bicycle was found in a nearby garage, where it was about to be repainted. The robbers were fined 10,000 rubles.

A no less indicative case took place in Moscow. In a forest park, robbers took one of the vehicles from a couple who were walking with bicycles in one of the districts of the capital and disappeared. It was found on a for sale notice board. The police officers pretended to be buyers, arrived at the meeting and detained the criminals, who, as it turned out, were not the first to commit such theft. They were sent to prison for 3 months.

How to collect evidence?

Traditionally, the search for evidence is the responsibility of the police, but what to do if the investigation is stalled and investigators are in no hurry to begin searching for missing property? You can significantly speed up the case if you try to collect as much information as possible about the circumstances of the bike theft

Law enforcement officers receive dozens of similar applications - there is no reason for them to pay increased attention to this particular crime

The best evidence in such cases is witness testimony and CCTV footage. The latter is not uncommon in hallways, and is one of the reasons why storing a bicycle and other personal items outside the apartment seems safe. Based on the image of the criminal on the camera, it is possible to create a composite photo and establish previously unknown circumstances of the crime.

A victim whose bicycle was stolen from the entrance can help the investigation by pointing out the presence of cameras in the house, but what to do if there is no video recording? Witness testimony is the oldest of the tools of evidence, which remains effective to this day. If several apartments are fenced with one common door, and the theft of a bicycle happened in a limited space, it makes sense to interview the neighbors - they might have seen the thief or heard exactly when it happened.

If the events were not recorded on film, people may find it difficult to pinpoint the exact time of the theft and may only remember the moment when their property was discovered missing, although the timing of the crime is of primary importance. The concierge is obliged to remember who passed by him, carrying a bicycle or heavy luggage - monitoring the situation and maintaining order in the entrance is his direct responsibility.

Submitting a complaint to the police

Contacting the police is a mandatory procedure when searching for a missing bicycle.
Of course, you shouldn’t count on prompt action. Why then do this? The main task is to officially register the theft as theft. This is required to seize the bike if the thief decides to resell it to another person. In this case, when filing for seizure in court, an application must be submitted. You can contact any police station, but preferably one closer to the scene of the incident. To correctly complete an application, you must:

• have a sample, which must be provided at the department;
• know exactly the address where the bike was stolen;
• describe all external characteristics;
• have a document for the bike.

Here is another reason why you should not throw away the registration certificate, purchase receipt and warranty card, even after the expiration date. This material evidence will help to correctly file a complaint and encourage police officers to carry out search work. In particular, the bicycle passport contains a unique frame number.

Bicycle frame number given by the manufacturer

The main obstacle that may arise when submitting an application is refusal to accept it. Although the police station is required to do this in any case, police officers do not always adhere to the law. This is often attributed to a large number of other offenses, a large amount of work, or the frivolity of the case. Indeed, in 90% of cases, missing bikes are not looked for, but the police are required to accept a statement. We must remember this and not be afraid to be persistent!

Application of fastening grips

U-shaped locks, like chain locks, are resistant to sawing with a hacksaw and cutting with scissors. Its large bow does not allow the crowbar to be pressed against it, making any break-in attempt a failure.

The disadvantage of the U-grip is the inability to grasp a tree or pole. An iron fence is more suitable for this purpose. The bicycle is fastened to the bicycle frame mainly with the rear wheel secured. Considering that wheels are the most expensive components of a bicycle, it is highly undesirable to only engage them.

Plate locks have a contradictory characteristic - they are famous for their compactness, but are not considered the best option. When making frequent turns, the movable areas of fastening the plates gradually wear out, as a result of which the strength of the entire lock is lost. And since a bicycle lock made of plates can only be bent in a single plane, it is considered less convenient compared to a cable or chain.

Use a secure bike lock

Today there are many types of bicycle locks, but not all of them are equally reliable. Most cycling enthusiasts use inexpensive and fairly thin cables with a key or combination lock, but such a cable is easy to bite - this lock does not provide the proper level of security. It is advisable to use the cable as additional protection, but not as the main one.

A more suitable option is a chain lock. And although a chain weighs more than a cable (on average, a chain up to 1 m long weighs more than 1 kg), sawing or cutting it without attracting attention is quite difficult.

What to buy

• Lock with code and textile shell from ABUS Web, 1,199 rubles →
• Lock with a 5-digit code from AliExpress, 779 rubles →
• Bluetooth lock with alarm from AliExpress, 2,108 rubles →

A chain lock in a soft fabric braid does not scratch the bicycle frame.
An alternative to a chain is a U-shaped lock. It’s not entirely convenient to carry it with you, but you can always find a way out of the situation. For example, there are also folding locks that are made of steel plates and, when unfolded, have the same dimensions as a U-lock. These plates fold easily and this lock does not take up much space.

What to buy

• Stainless steel U-lock from AliExpress, 1,524 rubles →
• U-lock with three keys from AliExpress, 1,400 rubles →
• Folding stainless steel lock from AliExpress, 2,255 rubles →

Another type of reliable bicycle locks are wheel and saddle stoppers. It is better to choose them with non-standard bolts and nuts, which are unscrewed using a special wrench. The likelihood that a thief will have just such a key is low.

What to buy

• Stainless steel wheel stopper from AliExpress, 213 rubles →
• Chrome wheel stopper from AliExpress, 358 rubles →
• Ultra-light wheel stopper from AliExpress, 648 rubles →

And lastly: use several locks at the same time - this will reduce the likelihood of theft.

How to find a stolen bike?

Firstly, there is no need to panic

It is worth paying attention to such points as:

• time of theft;
• the place where the theft occurred;
• contingent of people living or nearby.

Most of the stolen bicycles are found in persons of no fixed abode, as well as persons of Roma origin.

Where do they sell stolen bikes?

Be vigilant and do not leave your two-wheeled vehicle unattended for a long time. Equip your bike with special anti-theft locks.

And although this will not be a 100% panacea for theft, it will still stop some thieves or prevent them from quickly escaping responsibility.

How to check a bike for theft?

Many bicycles last quite a long time, so the demand for used models is quite high. If you have chosen a bicycle, carefully inspected it, and agreed on a price, then ask the seller to provide documents for the vehicle.

Unfortunately, bicycles sold for reuse often do not have their paperwork retained. Then the buyer is faced with the question of the legality of the sale. How to check for theft of a bicycle if the seller does not have documents for it?

In this case, you need to find out the bicycle number, which can be used to determine where it was produced and who it belonged to. On a bicycle, under the bottom of the carriage, there is usually a special factory stamp. In case of theft, the owner submits an application indicating exactly this number.

You can find out about the history of the bicycle by contacting the department for registering stolen vehicles of the traffic police.

You can also check it yourself. For this you will need:

• computer with Internet access;
• factory stamp number (see above).

Information about stolen bicycles can be found on the following sites:

The sites’ tasks include not only checking and helping in finding stolen bicycles, but also attracting the public to the problem of bicycle thefts.

You can also download mobile applications to your phone, which will allow you to get information about the bike you are interested in at any time and anywhere. Applications can be downloaded from the above sites via https://play.google.com/store.

Bicycle alarm, pros and cons

A bicycle alarm is an alternative way to protect against theft and to draw the attention of the owner and passers-by to theft. Types of signals:

• independent - installed separately from the lock, activated when moving, turned off by dialing a 4-digit code;
• integrated with a lock-lock;
• alarm with feedback.

Bicycle alarm with a four-digit combination: A, B, C – code setting buttons

The most advanced option for bicycle protection is a feedback system. Main characteristics:

• giving a signal;
• notification to a mobile phone about theft;
• tracking the location of the bike via satellite.

The last function will be needed if the bicycle is still stolen, despite the heart-rending screams of the alarm horn. True, this function is useful for a short period of time: most likely the thief will break or throw away the device, then it will be much more difficult to find the loss.

Advantages and disadvantages of alarms:

• easy to put on / just as easy to remove from the bike by an attacker;
• loud, attractive signal/can deafen;
• sensitivity settings/alarm can be triggered by the movement of a machine or person and give a false alarm;
• Worth installing as additional protection on expensive bicycles/not practical on budget models.

It is recommended to use alarms in parking lots in noisy places where the thief will not be seen, but will be heard. The system was successful due to its ability to scare off a thief immediately: after the piercing screech of the alarm, the glances of several passers-by will involuntarily turn to him. At least it will definitely scare off a not too daring thief.

Is the management company responsible for the safety of property?

First of all, the management company is responsible for the maintenance and maintenance of common property: elevator equipment, communications, attics, building elements and much more. But she will bear responsibility for the safety of the tenant’s property only if this is stipulated in the agreement with the residents of the house.

Therefore, I recommend raising all agreements with the management company and minutes of general meetings of owners. In these protocols, you need to see how your security is structured, what powers it has, what it protects, and whether the management company is responsible for the damage caused by the inaction of the security.

The responsibility of security can be established not only by contract, but also by laws and orders. For example, Article 25 of the law on departmental security provides for compensation for damage caused by the actions or inaction of security officers.

If your contract contains a clause on home security, the algorithm of actions is as follows:

1. Study the contract, see what the procedure for compensation is and how much you can claim.
2. Send a pre-trial claim to the Criminal Code. In it you indicate that your bicycle, which was kept in the entrance, was stolen. A criminal case has been opened regarding this fact, but the culprit has not been found. You believe that the theft was caused by the inaction of security personnel, and you ask for compensation for the damage.
3. If the Criminal Code refuses, you go to court with a claim for damages.

Claims against the management company regarding protection are not uncommon. But the courts primarily look not at the very fact of the presence of security, but at the contract for the provision of security services, if there is one at all. If it stipulates the protection of residents’ property, there is a chance for compensation. But if the management company stipulated in the contract only the protection of common property, it is responsible for the protection of only common property, but not for the protection of apartments or bicycles in the entrance.

Example: the claim of the famous actor Andrei Sokolov against his Criminal Code. He regularly paid for security, but this did not stop the thief from removing property worth 12 million rubles from the apartment. The guards did not interfere with the thief. The court of first instance ruled in favor of the victim, but the higher court overturned this decision. The contract with the private security company only stipulated the protection of common property, but it was not damaged. According to the same agreement, private security company employees did not protect the apartments and property of the residents - accordingly, compensation for damage cannot be recovered from them.

Bicycle theft report

You can write a statement yourself, using a sample from the Internet, or to the police. The main thing is to provide information about the loss, about you as the owner of the vehicle, as well as information about the theft - how and under what circumstances it happened.

We suggest you read: How to write an autobiography sample

It doesn’t matter who’s bike was stolen - a teenager or an adult, you need to contact the police as quickly as possible, and if the thief is found, he will be punished. A criminal sentence can be imposed for the theft of an item worth more than 2,500 rubles, so if your child’s bicycle was stolen and you want to punish the offender, you should not delay in reporting the crime.

If the offender is a minor, liability depends on his age. If a child has committed petty theft but has not reached fourteen years of age, his parents will face sanctions. Most often, adults are forced to pay a fine, the amount of which is determined depending on the type of act and its severity. If the parents manage to reconcile with the other party, damages can be paid.

It is very easy to report a stolen bicycle.

You can compose it yourself on a special form, or you can compose it at home on an A4 sheet.

The application must contain information about you, the bicycle, and the circumstances of its theft.

Where to call{q}

If your bike is stolen, you need to call the nearest police station.

Perhaps, without delay, they will be able to apprehend the criminal.

Where to contact{q}

You must also contact your local police department. You need to come there with a previously prepared application and declare your rights to the vehicle.

It’s good if you have a receipt for the purchase of a bicycle or at least a passport. If you do not have such documents, invite witnesses who will confirm the fact that you have a bicycle.

How to write{q}

Writing such a statement is quite simple if you have the necessary documents with you.

The police department will help you with drawing up such a statement.

Your main responsibility is to correctly list all the facts.

What to do if a used bicycle is stolen

If you are buying a used bicycle, you can draw up a sales contract with the seller, but most likely the seller will refuse to do this with you, but it’s worth a try. In a standard form purchase and sale agreement, there is usually a phrase stating that the seller guarantees that this bicycle is not wanted and does not belong to third parties, but most importantly, the agreement will confirm the fact that this bicycle currently belongs to To you.

If you draw up this agreement yourself, please note that the bicycle model, color and the frame serial number mentioned above are indicated there. Also, if you find the serial number on the plug, write it down too

In fact, the better you describe the equipment of the bicycle, the easier it will be for you in the future.

Anti-theft bicycle base and insurance

In large cities and regions, various cycling movements are creating bicycle bases. They list registered and stolen bicycles. A stolen bike will be marked in the database with a special flag.

Basic information entered into the register:

• individual frame number;
• the place where the bicycle was stolen;
• description, signs, photos.

On the website of the international bicycle registration service (https://mybikenumber.com) you can obtain an individual code for searching through a mobile scanner. The database includes purchased, sold and stolen bicycles, which can be found by number or individual code. Bike carriers are a pretty good safety net, especially for owners of expensive models.

Bicycle insurance. At the moment, it is impossible to register a bike as a motorcycle or a car: such a procedure is not provided for in the legislation of the Russian Federation. Which, in fact, is what hijackers use.

Since a bicycle is not registered as a vehicle, it can be insured as real property. There is, however, a contradiction here: an insured bike “cannot be ridden”; insurance will not cover this case. Therefore, this point alone is not enough.

Types of insurance:

• property – the bicycle itself is insured, the amount of payments in case of damage or theft is insured in a set amount;
• from accidents;
• civil liability insurance – coverage for property damage caused to another person due to the fault of a cyclist.

These services are offered by special companies; today they are in sufficient quantity. The registration procedure is simple, but it can be complicated by the fact that the insurer may not agree to this due to unprofitability. Contributions must be clearly related to the original cost of the bicycle.

So, it makes no sense to insure a cheap bike. On the contrary, for an expensive model this procedure is completely justified. And, of course, insurance is necessary if cycling involves theft of a bicycle and a threat to the cyclist and other road users.

It’s not a fact that your security is not a janitor according to documents

There is a high probability that your security does not exist on paper and is not specified in any contract. The fact is that security activities require a special license. Obtaining it is not so easy: the Federal Service of the National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation has very high requirements for private security companies.

Collecting money for protection is pleasant and profitable. But applying for a license, taking special courses for managers of security companies, hiring only licensed security guards and ensuring that they work in accordance with the law on private detective and security activities is difficult and troublesome. Moreover, residents may demand compensation for damage if a bicycle or baby stroller is suddenly stolen from the entrance.

As a result, management companies do not mention in any agreement that they provide security services. Most likely, the person in a jacket with the inscription “security” who is sitting in your entrance is not listed as a security guard, but as a watchman or even a janitor. And, accordingly, he is not responsible for anything. And the police, who arrived at your complaint about the theft of a bicycle, may not have been able to use recordings from CCTV cameras, because the Criminal Code bought the cheapest equipment and the recording on it was of such quality that the residents of the house would not recognize themselves in it. I even came across a situation where images from video cameras were displayed on security monitors, and they saved money on the video recorder. In fact, no video recording was made.

In this case, recovery of damages from the management company is almost hopeless. But I recommend thinking about the effectiveness of such protection. Perhaps, instead of monthly payments, it is easier to completely abandon conditional security services. To do this, you will have to organize a general meeting of owners and review the terms of provision of these services.

You will have two options.

You can refuse such security services altogether. It won't get any worse: if the security is unable to ensure the safety of the bicycle, there is little hope for it. In a critical situation, it will most likely be useless.

Or you can revise the terms of the contract: stipulate responsibility for security guards, oblige the management company to obtain a license for security activities and provide services in accordance with the law, or engage a private security company for this. It may be more expensive, but security doesn't come cheap.

If the management company provides security services under a contract, you can demand compensation for damages from theft

Submit a pre-trial claim, and if refused, go to court. If the management company offers to sign a security agreement, pay attention to what exactly will be protected. If only common property is indicated, and not the property of residents, damage from residential theft cannot be compensated. If there is no protection agreement, it will be difficult to compensate for the damage.

If you have a question about personal finance, rights or laws, please write. We will answer the most interesting questions in the magazine.

How to talk to the police if you are stopped riding a bicycle

What to do if you are stopped by police on the street and you are riding your bike. Sometimes they ask you for documents for a bicycle, and sometimes they even convince you that you should have them with you, in fact this is not so, you don’t carry with you a receipt for sneakers or a backpack that you are wearing, that’s exactly the case same with a bicycle. However, if you do not have these documents with you, and a similar bicycle is wanted, the policeman has the right to detain until the circumstances are clarified. In this case, you will have to provide documents that are at your home, it’s good if you have them.

Let's summarize the main points:

1. You must know the serial number of the bicycle frame.
2. It's good if you have the serial number and write it down on the plug as well.
3. Next, you should have a list of all the equipment that is installed on the bike with a detailed description of its model and characteristics.

At the same time, you must have documents confirming the fact of purchasing the bicycle, or the fact that you assembled this bicycle yourself. Now that you have all this, you can safely ride your bike, fasten it near shops, but we still do not recommend leaving it in entrances.

Actions of a person in case of bicycle theft

To prevent the theft of a bicycle from the entrance, as well as a number of other crimes by strangers, it is necessary to secure an apartment building. Initiate a general meeting of all residents, where the issue of installing a combination lock and video cameras in the entrance is on the agenda. Such devices will significantly reduce the risk of material damage for all residents. By investing once, citizens will protect their property for many years, and we are not just talking about bicycles, strollers and other things that are usually kept on the landing. Apartments in buildings equipped with such elements are much less likely to be robbed; there are no drug addicts or homeless people in the entrance, which provides a favorable environment for living. If your house is not equipped with such structures and the residents oppose their installation, it is better to carefully consider storing your bicycle. If the vehicle was nevertheless taken away from under the windows of your house, you need to start searching. The first step will be to interview neighbors and passers-by; perhaps someone saw when and who took the bike and can describe the thief. In this case, it is better to ask specifically about bicycle transport, because people who trade in theft know how to disguise themselves or remain invisible. However, there is still a chance that the thief will be recognized.

The next answer to the question of what to do if a bicycle is stolen is to search for video recordings from cameras of stores and institutions that are close to home. To obtain such information, you need to contact the administration of a shopping center or gas station, for example, explain your situation, and most likely, you will be allowed to view the camera footage.

When asking strangers for help - neighbors, passers-by, owners of cars with DVRs - you need to be tactful. You can’t put pressure on people, show your excitement, scream or panic. The more adequate and calm a person’s behavior is, the easier it is for people to make contact and agree to help.

How to store it in the entrance

It is sometimes impossible to keep a small vehicle in your apartment due to lack of free space. Bicycle storage often takes place in the stairwell. This is quite convenient: there is no need to carry it across the entire apartment to the balcony or to the storage room. Dirt from the street also remains outside the apartment.

Such storage may cause discontent among neighbors. Many citizens believe that they can place any large objects in the entrance. Such confidence becomes a frequent cause of disputes between neighbors, even legal disputes. Residents of other apartments cannot carry furniture or other objects down the staircase. Bicycles often dirty other people's property. Residents often file a claim demanding influence over a negligent neighbor.

Despite the recognition of the landing as public property, the law prohibits cluttering it. Fire safety rules also require free access to each apartment, stairs and elevator. If the rights of neighbors are limited due to the presence of a bicycle in the entrance, a lawsuit becomes a real way out of the current situation. According to judicial practice, the court takes the side of the neighbors and obliges the owner of the bicycle to remove it from the stairwell.

A bicycle may be kept in the entrance hall only with the consent of the residents of other apartments. A lockable room for strollers and bicycles would be an excellent option for storing items. If there are no such premises, it is better to store the vehicle near your apartment. It can be placed in a free corner or mounted on the wall.

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In this case, you need to consider security options. Despite the presence of intercoms, bicycles are often the subject of theft. If the entrance has video cameras, this probability is reduced. The easiest and cheapest option is to fasten your bike to a hook in the wall. The frame can be attached to the support.

What to do?

A bicycle is stolen most often when the owner of the vehicle relies only on dubious protection in the form of holding cables and locks. But for thieves who specialize in bicycle theft, a lock is no problem; they have wire cutters or other tools.

If you find that your bike has disappeared, you must:

1. Immediately call the police and describe the bicycle and its distinctive features, indicate the place where the bicycle was last found, the time (if the theft was committed in your presence) and a description of the intruders (if you noticed them).
2. Submit an application to the duty department.
3. While you are at the police station, ask relatives or friends to explore the surrounding areas and markets. Perhaps the bike has already been thrown away.
4. Interview possible witnesses - people walking on the playground or neighbors. Maybe they saw the person coming out with your vehicle.
5. If there is a security camera in the entrance, ask the building manager to watch the footage if he has permission to do so.
6. Place an ad with an exact description of the stolen bicycle, down to the smallest detail, or better yet, add a photo. You can create a decoy ad claiming that you want to buy a used bicycle. Just make an appointment away from the scene of the incident so as not to arouse suspicion.
7. Go to the nearest scrap metal collection points and ask them if they have recently received bicycle parts (describe the color, brand and features). Employees may refuse to answer you, but still try your luck.
8. Look for advertisements on well-known websites selling bicycles, and visit the nearest markets.

If the stolen bike is discovered later:

1. Try to ask the new owner of your vehicle where exactly he bought it, how he bought it and when exactly. This does not mean that the thief himself drives the stolen one, so be tactful and polite.
2. Take a photo of the find if the driver is not nearby. Show photographs to the police where the kidnapping was reported.
3. If you find a thief with stolen property immediately after the incident, demand that he return the bicycle and begin to be loudly indignant so that he is afraid of witnesses. Just don’t use force, you can only prevent escape by holding on to the steering wheel, for example.
4. Urgently call the police and report the location of the stolen property, signs of the suspect (if any), if they left in your vehicle - explain in which direction.

Check list

So, have you read everything and want to take real action to protect your bike from theft? Great. Well, in order not to forget anything, we offer the most important things described above in the form of a short list.

1. Leave your bike where there are always people, but not too many of them.
2. Take the time to fasten your bike, even if you only need to step away for half a minute.
3. Use a reliable bicycle lock, or preferably two or more.
4. Remember: the more unusual the bike, the harder it is to sell. Therefore, you can paint the frame, decorate the wheels, design the steering wheel and other details.
5. Remove the chain when leaving the bike parked for a long time.
6. Don’t give your bike to strangers: thieves often ingratiate themselves, steal the bike, and ride off with it.

If you know alternative ways to protect your bike from theft, share them in the comments.

What to do if your bike disappears

The first thing you need to do is file a complaint with the police, of course everyone will dissuade you from doing this, including the police themselves, they will tell you that there are a lot of thefts a day, that a bicycle is almost never found, that this is a waste of time and etc. However, do not be fooled by these excuses; insistently ask them to accept your application.

Please note that it is advisable to file a police report as quickly as possible, that is, as soon as you discover the theft, because there is always a chance that the bicycle will be found without delay. To correctly draw up an application, you will need exactly all this information that we talked about earlier.

Concept

The concept of bicycle theft implies the unauthorized taking of a vehicle and its transportation by mechanical or automatic means to another place.

Of course, unauthorized taking is expressed in an action, which, by the way, can only be committed if there is direct intent.

Of course, when studying the concept of bicycle theft, you need to understand what a bicycle is in principle.

A bicycle is a two-wheeled vehicle that is propelled by mechanical force, in this case by the legs.

That is, it is impossible to commit a crime of this kind through inaction. This is what legal theorists emphasize.

It is also worth remembering that the theft of a bicycle is the starting point, the line between a criminal offense of moderate gravity and a serious one.

It all depends on whether the president approves this bill and whether amendments will be made to the articles.

What happens when a bike is stolen?

Stealing a bicycle is certainly an offence.

But for some reason the legislator has not yet taken any steps to reflect such a crime in the code.

That is why, when discussing the issues of bicycle theft, it is worth turning to such articles of the Criminal Code as theft, robbery, or robbery.

Accordingly, this is Article 158 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, 161 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, and 162 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.

It is these articles that regulate such an act as theft of property, because a bicycle, in its essence, in relation to its direct owner, is movable property that is direct property, which means it can be stolen, abducted and appropriated in other ways.

Now let's talk about theft in more detail. What is theft in principle as a crime{q}

This is an act that is committed secretly and this action represents the misappropriation of someone else's property.

To give an example, this is an invisible appropriation when the owner does not see or suspect that such an act is being committed.

Bicycle theft is the illegal appropriation of transport while it is out of sight of the owner, that is, secretly.

This can be done in the entrance, office, on the street or even from a living space.

We invite you to read: How to rent land in 16 ways in 2020{q}

The article of theft is regulated in the Criminal Code in Article 158. It is in this article that not only the very essence of theft as a crime is revealed, but also the direct punishment for the crime is determined.

Theft

Who is a thief? {q} This is a person who systematically carries out thefts, that is, actions of appropriating someone else’s property.

Bicycle thief is not a very criminal title, but it prevents citizens from feeling confident leaving their property unattended for a moment.

A thief is, first of all, a criminal, who, as a rule, has previously been charged with similar charges.