20,000 bikes stolen every year around Poland

Police data shows that a large majority of bicycles are taken from sheds and cellars.

Around 20,000 bicycles are stolen in Poland every year, police data shows, with around 70 percent of those taken from sheds and cellars.

“Bicycle owners should use a bicycle chain with a padlock, or a special mechanism, so that they can protect their two-wheelers, especially when leaving them on the street,” said police spokesperson Iwona Kornicz.
Authorities add that “Every police station can engrave a unique number into the bicycle frame or other location. The owner and bicycle are then placed in a police database.”

Thieves of bicycles valued at more than PLN 430 (EUR 106) can face up top five years in prison, while other charges like burglary, could double jail time.