For the first time since 2014, the number of bicycle thefts in Austria increased again last year. The clearance rate remains low, while the value of bicycles – driven by the rise of e-bikes – continues to rise. Find out how you can best protect your bicycle and what you should pay attention to in our comprehensive guide.
The number of reported bicycle thefts in this country had fallen for eight years in a row, from 28,274 in 2014 to 16,824 in 2022 – “lower than (…) at any time in the 21st century,” as the Austrian Transport Club (VCÖ) noted. the time. Last year there was of course an unpleasant change of course: according to the latest VCÖ figures, ten percent more bicycles were stolen from 18,566 officially reported thefts.
60 percent of crimes took place in state capitals. Vienna was an exception: in 2023, almost seven percent fewer bicycles were stolen than in 2022. With 6,328 cases, the federal capital still had the most bicycle thefts in absolute figures compared to both the federal states and the capitals of the federal states.
In proportion to the population, Linz was the hotspot for bicycle thefts: 63 bicycles were stolen per 10,000 inhabitants in the capital of Upper Austria. The cities of Salzburg and Klagenfurt follow with 52 and 49 bicycle thefts per 10,000 inhabitants respectively.
The fewest bicycle thefts in absolute figures took place last year in the Hermagor and Murau districts, namely three each. This is followed by the Tamsweg district with five and the statutory town of Waidhofen an der Ybbs with nine. Outside the capitals, the most bicycles were stolen in the Mödling district (347).
Low awareness rate, more expensive bikes
The chance that you will get the stolen bicycle back is quite small. The clearance rate increased slightly last year, but is still in the lower range at 9.3 percent. Only 1,727 such crimes could be solved.
On the other hand, the average prices of e-bikes have continuously increased in recent years. While their sales price in 2020 was around 3,000 euros, in 2022 they will cost an average of more than 4,200 euros.
This is how much you should invest in securing your bike
Protecting your own bicycle against theft pays off, even if it is only for a short stop at the bakery or the like (see image below). A rule of thumb is that you should invest about ten percent of the purchase price in securing the mobile vehicle – for an average e-bike this would be around 400 euros. However, the range of corresponding solutions is large.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
