Recent data shows that regular bicycles and electric bicycles are particularly vulnerable to theft during the winter months.
In December and January, the insurance company If itself received reports of 86 stolen bicycles. The average compensation for two months was NOK 13 and NOK 300 respectively. That's much more than the rest of the year.
- In winter, there is a greater proportion of expensive bicycles on the streets and roads. When it's cold, the wind blows, you meet cyclists with expensive bikes, studded tires, etc. Electric bikes are also popular - and fast - in winter, says communications manager Sigmund Clementz at If.
During the year, the average amount of compensation for theft bicycle is just over NOK 8 from insurance companies, according to Finans Norge data.
Thieves love electric bikes
Expensive bikes are sought after by thieves. Now almost every fourth bike that is stolen is an electric bike.
Sales of e-bikes in Norway have exploded, making many new high-value e-bikes available, says Clementz.
In the last five or six years, the number of bicycle thefts in the winter months has more than doubled. However, there is some decline this winter, according to a review by If having made its own calculations.
Most do not need bicycle insurance in addition to their insurance
Last winter, we received 203 bike thefts in three winter months, while this winter has not reached 100 yet. We don't know for sure why, but we think the fall may have something to do with the weather and riding conditions this winter. It was slippery in many places and the road could make winter cycling less safe for others than the most die-hard winter cyclists, says Clementz.
- Most people do not need bicycle insurance in addition to their so-called innboforsikringen. In recent years, insurance companies have significantly increased the maximum amounts for bicycle theft, and the amount is now NOK 40, says Sigmund Clementz.
10 tips for stolen bicycles
- Choose a sturdy lock that will take a long time to open. Price and quality are usually related.
- Lock the bike with two different locking systems, then the bike thief need different tools.
- Secure the bike in something solid and fixed.
- It is best to park the bike where there are a lot of people all the time, then it is more uncomfortable to steal it.
- Park your bike where it is lit. The "dark gate" is a bicycle thief's dream.
- Take care of the receipt, write down the frame number on your bike and keep it in a safe place. It is a good idea to register the bike in the bicycle register.
- Remember to remove accessories such as a computer or bike navigator before leaving the bike. Take the electric bike battery when parking.
- If you remove the seat from the bike, you will make it less attractive. Some also remove the front wheel when parking the bike.
- A tip for the really brave and dedicated: make the bike a little ugly by painting or varnishing it or wrapping it.
- When not in use, the bicycle is safest indoors.
Photo: IF
Source: IF
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