🚲TransportUpdated: May 2026

🚲 Bike stolen in Amsterdam — what's the procedure?

Direct answer

For bike theft in Amsterdam, follow these steps immediately: (1) Online police report at politie.nl within 24 hours — frame number is essential (on receipt, bike registration, or under saddle). (2) RDW Stolen Bikes Register: free registration at rdw.nl; found bikes are checked against it. (3) Insurer: call immediately, report number is required for payout (only for specific bike insurance or contents-with-bike-clause). (4) Marktplaats: search your frame number and description; often resold within 48 hours. (5) Fietsdepot Amsterdam (020-460 3610) — city collects found bikes; check periodically. Annually ~75,000 bikes are stolen in Amsterdam, ~5% recovered on average.

First step

politie.nl aangifte

Cost

Free

Recovery

~5% found

Step by step

1
Gather your details
Frame number (receipt, bike registration, often under saddle or on head tube). Photos of the bike. Brand, model, colour, distinguishing features (scratches, stickers). Place and time of theft.
2
File online police report
Go to politie.nl > File report > Bike theft. Log in with DigiD. Report number emailed immediately — save for insurer and RDW.
3
Register in RDW Stolen Register
At rdw.nl report your bike with frame number. Free. When bike found, police match and contact you.
4
Call your insurer
First check contents policy: outside-home coverage often only with special clause. Provide report number, frame number, purchase receipt. Payout within 2-6 weeks on approved claim.
5
Check Marktplaats and Fietsdepot
Search Marktplaats daily by frame number, brand and description. Call Fietsdepot Amsterdam 020-460 3610 — found bikes kept here for 6 weeks.

All contacts

Politie AangifteOnline bike theft report

Within 24 hours of theft

📞 0900-8844 🔗 politie.nl/aangifte-of-melding-doen/aangifte-doen.html

RDW Gestolen FietsenregisterNational register for matching

📞 088-008 7747 🔗 rdw.nl/particulier/voertuigen/fiets/gestolen-fiets

Fietsdepot AmsterdamFound + removed bikes

Check weekly first 6 weeks

📞 020-460 3610 🔗 amsterdam.nl/fietsdepot

Eigen fiets-/inboedelverzekeringPayout if covered

Immediately after police report

Slachtofferhulp NederlandHelp for serious (violent) theft

For intimidation or violence

📞 0900-0101 🔗 slachtofferhulp.nl

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a police report for insurance?

Yes always. No Dutch bike or contents insurer pays out without a police report number. Online report works fine — no station visit needed.

What if I have no frame number?

Report can still be filed without frame number — but recovery odds drop to near 0%. Receipt from bike shop: often retrievable in email or receipt app. No proof: report by description + photos.

Can I buy back my own stolen bike?

Yes, and it's recommended on Marktplaats finds — involving police rarely leads to action (low priority). Meet at police station, pay €5-20, get it back. Keep the report active.

How do I prevent it happening again?

Two locks (ART-2 frame lock + ART-3 chain lock), always anchor to fixed object, buy an “ugly” second-hand bike for city. Insurance: only ART-certified lock covers outside-home theft.

What if I recognize my bike on Marktplaats — can I just take it?

No — self-help (seizing yourself) is illegal and itself punishable. Take police along or lure back and file report on site. Buying back via Marktplaats: sale becomes black-market, but pragmatically works.

Am I entitled to a replacement bike during the claim?

With premium bike insurance: often replacement bike within 24 hours. Standard contents: no replacement — only money payout within 2-6 weeks. Check policy beforehand for “direct replacement”.