Bike Theft Rates Rise to 19,455 in 2024

The incidence of bicycle thefts in Austria has seen an upward trend for the second consecutive year, with reported cases increasing by nearly five percent, amounting to 19,455 incidents in 2024, according to a report from the mobility organization VCÖ.

Approximately two-thirds of these thefts occurred in the country's capital cities, with Vienna reporting the highest number of thefts at 7,009. However, in terms of thefts per capita, Vienna's rate of 35 bicycle thefts per 10,000 residents is among the lowest in the nation.

Salzburg recorded the highest rate of bicycle thefts, with 70 stolen bikes per 10,000 residents, followed closely by Klagenfurt at 65. Conversely, certain districts reported minimal theft rates, with Güssing experiencing just two thefts, Hermagor three, and Feldkirchen five, as per the mobility club's findings.

The district of Dornbirn experienced the highest number of thefts outside the major cities, with 368 bicycles reported stolen. The overall resolution rate for these cases remains concerningly low, with only 1,731 of the thefts from the previous year resolved, marking an investigative success rate of just 8.9 percent.

To increase the likelihood of recovering stolen bicycles, the VCÖ advises cyclists to keep a record of their bicycle's frame number. Additionally, investing in theft insurance, especially for high-value or newer bicycles, is recommended.

Despite the increase in bicycle thefts, the total number of incidents in 2024 remains below pre-pandemic levels. In 2019, for instance, 20,805 bicycles were reported stolen, and the figure was even higher in 2014 with 28,274 thefts logged. Currently, there are over seven million bicycles in Austria.

Christian Gratzer, a spokesperson for the VCÖ, emphasized that the establishment of secure and sufficient bicycle parking facilities is a key deterrent against theft. He highlighted the need for such facilities at heavily trafficked locations, including shopping districts, recreational facilities, sports complexes, universities, and schools. Moreover, bus stops, train stations, and subway stations are also identified as essential areas for secure bike parking.

In an effort to address the issue of inadequate bicycle parking, the VCÖ is launching an initiative to gather data from the public through an online map, allowing citizens to report locations lacking proper bicycle parking. The information collected will be relayed to relevant municipal authorities. Public participation is encouraged until May 4.