How to verify a bike is not stolen before buying, which databases to check, what results mean, and what to do if you find a stolen bike or become a victim of theft.
Check before you buy.
Enter a frame serial number and we'll check it against UK stolen-bike databases instantly. Free, no signup.
Results in seconds. Checks our internal database alongside UK stolen-bike registers.
A widespread problem.
Understanding the scale helps explain why checking stolen databases is essential before any used-bike purchase.
- Bikes stolen in UK annually
- Bikes stolen every day
- Unregistered bikes recovered
- Registered bikes recovered
- Annual cost of bike theft UK
- Average time to steal a bike
Sources: ONS Crime Survey 2023, UK stolen-bike databases, Police recorded crime statistics.
How Cyclesite verifies a bike.
When you run a history check, we query multiple data sources to give you the most comprehensive picture possible.
- UK stolen-bike databases. National cycle databases used by UK police forces. Cover millions of registered bikes and reported thefts.
- Cyclesite stolen reports. Our own database of stolen-bike reports submitted by users, cross-referenced with active listings.
- AI risk signals. Automated analysis of listing patterns, photo similarities, and pricing anomalies that may indicate suspicious activity.
Result. Based on these checks, we return one of three statuses: Clear, Caution, or Stolen.
Databases to check.
No single database contains all stolen bikes. For comprehensive protection, check multiple. UK national cycle databases used by police forces are the most important to query.
- BikeRegister.Free. Police-linked. Coverage: 1.5 million+ registered bikes.
- UK national cycle database, widely used for stolen bike verification. The most comprehensive stolen bike registry in the United Kingdom.
- Features: Police-linked database · Free registration · Security marking kits · Insurance discounts
- bikeregister.com
- Bike Index.Free. Coverage: Worldwide (US/Canada/UK/EU).
- Global nonprofit stolen bike registry with over 900,000 registered bikes. Excellent for international purchases.
- Features: Global coverage · Community alerts · API integration · Nonprofit organisation
- bikeindex.org
- CheckThatBike.Coverage: UK insurance records.
- UK insurance-linked verification service. Checks against insurance company theft reports.
- Features: Insurance database · Write-off checks · Detailed reports · Finance checks
- checkthatbike.co.uk
- 529 Garage.Free. Police-linked. Coverage: North America, expanding UK.
- Police-partnered bike registration used across North America and expanding to UK.
- Features: Police partnerships · Shield stickers · Community recovery · Mobile app
- 529garage.com
What a check result means.
A clear result is encouraging but not a guarantee. A flagged result requires immediate action.
Clear
No stolen-bike reports or strong risk signals found
What to do
- A clear result is encouraging but NOT a guarantee the bike was never stolen
- Not all stolen bikes are reported to databases
- Still verify frame number matches the bike physically
- Ask for proof of purchase or ownership documentation
- Proceed with normal buying precautions
- Consider registering on BikeRegister for future protection
Caution
Some risk signals were found that warrant further investigation
What to do
- Risk signals may include: similar photos found elsewhere, conflicting listing details, partial frame number matches
- Ask the seller detailed questions about the bike's history
- Request additional proof of purchase (original receipt, warranty card, email confirmation)
- Verify the frame number physically matches what the seller provided
- Check multiple databases independently (BikeRegister, Bike Index)
- If anything feels off, walk away - your safety comes first
Stolen
Confirmed stolen-bike report found in our databases
What to do
- DO NOT purchase this bike under any circumstances
- DO NOT confront the seller - they may not know it is stolen, or they may be dangerous
- Leave the meeting safely without escalating the situation
- Report to police via 101 (non-emergency) or online with all details you have
- Report the listing to Cyclesite immediately using the report button
- Notify BikeRegister if that is where the match was found
- Keep screenshots of the listing and any communications
Work through this before you pay.
Systematic checks that minimise the risk of buying stolen property.
01Before Viewing
- Request frame number from seller before meeting
- Check frame number against BikeRegister (UK primary)
- Check frame number against Bike Index (global backup)
- Verify frame number format matches claimed brand
- Research typical frame number locations for that bike type
- Check seller profile for red flags (new account, no history)
- Reverse image search listing photos
- Compare price to market value - too cheap is suspicious
02During Viewing
- Verify frame number on bike matches what seller provided
- Check for signs of number tampering (filed, painted over, stickers)
- Look for fresh paint that could hide filing marks
- Check headset and bottom bracket areas carefully
- Request proof of purchase (receipt, warranty card, email confirmation)
- Ask how and when they acquired the bike
- Take photos of frame number and any unique identifying features
- Note the seller ID and meeting location details
03After Clean Check
- Document frame number in your records
- Register bike in your name on BikeRegister immediately
- Keep all purchase documentation (messages, payment proof)
- Take comprehensive photos for your own records
- Consider additional security marking (UV pen, microdots)
How to report a stolen bike (UK).
Acting quickly maximises your chances of recovery. Follow these steps in order.
Report it to Cyclesite too, we'll flag the serial number so it can't be sold here, and alert you if it appears for sale. Report your stolen bike.
01Report to Police First
Call 101 or report online via your local police force website. Get a crime reference number.
Important: You MUST have a crime reference number to report to databases and claim insurance.
Timeframe: Within 24 hours of discovering theft
02Mark as Stolen on BikeRegister
Log into your BikeRegister account and mark the bike as stolen. Include crime reference number.
Important: BikeRegister is widely used when recovering stolen bikes.
Timeframe: Immediately after police report
03Report on Bike Index
Register (if not already) and mark as stolen on Bike Index for international coverage.
Important: Bike Index alerts are shared on social media and cycling communities.
Timeframe: Same day as theft report
04Contact Insurance
Report to your insurance company with crime reference number and all documentation.
Important: Most policies require reporting within 24-48 hours.
Timeframe: Within policy timeframe (usually 24-48 hours)
05Alert Local Community
Post on local cycling groups, Nextdoor, and community Facebook groups with photos.
Important: Many stolen bikes are recovered through community sightings.
Timeframe: Within 24-48 hours
06Monitor Marketplaces
Set up alerts on eBay, Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace for your bike model.
Important: DO NOT confront sellers if you find your bike - contact police.
Timeframe: Ongoing for 30+ days
Do not confront the seller.
Confronting sellers is dangerous and can compromise any police investigation.
Do NOT
- Contact the seller directly
- Arrange to meet them
- Confront them in person
- Attempt to recover the bike yourself
- Share their details publicly
DO
- Screenshot the listing immediately (it may be removed)
- Note all details: seller name, price, location, contact info
- Call police on 101 with your crime reference number
- Report the listing to the platform (Cyclesite, eBay, Gumtree, etc.)
- Let police handle the recovery operation
- Notify your insurance company of the development
Your safety is more important than the bike. Sellers may be unaware they have stolen goods, or they may be dangerous criminals. Let trained police officers handle the situation.
Prevention beats recovery.
These measures significantly reduce your risk of theft and improve recovery chances if it happens.
Registration
- Register on BikeRegister immediately upon purchase
- Add bike to Bike Index as backup
- Keep registration details updated if you move
- Register component serial numbers (wheels, drivetrain)
- Take dated photos with your frame number visible
Security Marking
- Use BikeRegister security marking kit (UV and visible)
- Apply forensic marking (microdots, SelectaDNA)
- Engrave postcode on hidden areas
- Use tamper-evident security labels
- Mark components as well as frame
Locking
- Use Sold Secure Gold or Diamond rated locks only
- Use two different lock types together
- Lock through frame AND wheels to immovable object
- Avoid ground anchors that can be levered
- Fill lock body with minimal cable showing
- Position lock off the ground to prevent leverage attacks
Storage
- Store indoors whenever possible
- Use ground anchor in garage/shed
- Install motion-sensor lighting outside
- Consider GPS tracker (Apple AirTag, Tile, dedicated)
- Vary your parking locations and times
- Never leave bike visible through windows
Frequently asked.
How do I check if a bike is stolen before buying?
Get the frame number before you travel. Run it through BikeRegister - the check takes thirty seconds and costs nothing. At the viewing, verify the number on the actual bike matches what you were given. Look for signs of tampering: grinding marks around the number, fresh paint, strategically placed stickers. Ask for the original receipt too.
What should I do if a bike shows as stolen in the database?
Do not buy it. Do not confront the seller - they might be innocent, or they might not, and either way confrontation helps nobody. Leave calmly. Report to police on 101 with all the details: seller information, listing URL, frame number. Report the listing to us. Your safety comes first.
What if the frame number is not found in any database?
That is neutral, not clearance. Many legitimate bikes are never registered - especially older ones. Not found does not mean stolen, but it does not prove legitimate either. Ask for proof of purchase. Check the frame number format matches the brand. Proceed with normal caution.
How many databases should I check before buying?
BikeRegister at minimum - it is the most comprehensive UK stolen bike registry. Bike Index adds global coverage. For expensive bikes, CheckThatBike shows insurance history. No single database catches everything, so checking multiple reduces risk. The free checks take under a minute each.
Can a stolen bike have a clean database check?
Unfortunately yes. Stolen bikes go unreported. Reported bikes get logged incorrectly. Frame numbers get mangled. A clean check reduces risk but does not eliminate it. Always ask for proof of purchase. Always verify the frame number physically. Always trust your instincts if something feels wrong.
What percentage of stolen bikes are recovered?
Around five percent for unregistered bikes. Around fifty percent for bikes registered on BikeRegister. That is a ten-fold difference. Registration is free and takes five minutes. If your bike gets stolen, registration is the single most effective thing you can do to get it back.
How do I report my own bike as stolen?
Police first - call 101 or report online. Get a crime reference number. Then mark it stolen on BikeRegister and Bike Index immediately. Contact your insurer within their required timeframe. Alert local cycling groups on Facebook and Reddit. Monitor online marketplaces. If you spot it listed, tell the police - do not try to recover it yourself.
What is a frame number and where do I find it?
A unique identifier stamped into the frame during manufacture. Most bikes have it under the bottom bracket - flip the bike over and look where the pedal cranks meet the frame. Some brands stamp it on the head tube or seat tube. See our Frame Numbers Guide for brand-specific locations.
Are stolen bike checks free?
BikeRegister and Bike Index are both free. CheckThatBike charges for detailed reports including insurance history. The free databases cover most situations. Always check BikeRegister at minimum - it is the most widely used UK stolen bike database.
What should I do if I accidentally bought a stolen bike?
Contact police immediately. Provide everything: seller details, messages, payment records. Under UK law, you cannot keep stolen property regardless of how you acquired it. The bike goes back to its owner. You may have civil recourse against the seller for fraud, but realistically, recovering your money is difficult.
How does BikeRegister work with police?
BikeRegister is the UK national cycle database. All 43 police forces use it. When they recover unidentified bikes, they check BikeRegister first. Registered bikes carry security markings - visible and UV - that police look for during routine stops. Registration dramatically increases your chances of recovery.
Should I check stolen databases when buying from a shop?
Reputable shops verify provenance on trade-ins, but smaller dealers vary. New bikes from authorised dealers need no check. Second-hand bikes from any source deserve verification. The check takes thirty seconds - there is no reason not to do it.
Buy and sell with confidence.
Every listing on Cyclesite is stolen-checked before it goes live. Transparent listing fees from £10.99.
Or use our free stolen-bike check for any frame number.