Scam in BelgiumTheft
Bicycle theft in Belgium
How it works
An unsecured or poorly locked bicycle is taken. In Leuven, students sometimes take bikes described as being 'borrowed'.
Warning signs
- The bicycle has no lock or only a weak lock.
- The bicycle is left outside without being properly secured.
How to avoid it
- Use a strong lock whenever you leave a bicycle.
- Lock the frame to a fixed bicycle stand where possible.
- Check the lock before walking away.
If it happens to you
Report the theft to police. If the bicycle is rented, tell the rental provider and keep the police report.
- Move to a safe place. Do not chase a thief or confront an aggressive seller.
- Call 112 if anyone is hurt, threatened or in immediate danger.
- Block stolen cards promptly. Contact your card issuer about any payment you believe was fraudulent.
- If your phone was stolen, use its lost-device tools and secure important accounts.
- Report the incident to police. Keep receipts, payment records, photos and a written account of what happened. Ask for a report reference.
- Contact your insurer if you have cover. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate about a replacement.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- News2024Bikes on the move: how travel agencies aggravate cycle theftAn investigation reported stolen Brussels bicycles being exported through travel agencies, including a victim's bicycle located among other stolen property near Brussels-Midi.Read on News
- WebDe Fietsambassade GentLost bicycleGhent's cycling service explains that missing parked bicycles may have been stolen and advises owners to check removal services before reporting theft.Read on Web
Questions
What is the bicycle theft scam in Belgium?
An unsecured or poorly locked bicycle is taken. In Leuven, students sometimes take bikes described as being 'borrowed'.
How can I spot it early?
The bicycle has no lock or only a weak lock. The bicycle is left outside without being properly secured.
How do I avoid bicycle theft in Belgium?
Use a strong lock whenever you leave a bicycle. Lock the frame to a fixed bicycle stand where possible. Check the lock before walking away.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Report the theft to police. If the bicycle is rented, tell the rental provider and keep the police report.
Where in Belgium does this happen?
Bicycles left on streets in Antwerp and unsecured bicycles in Leuven. It has been reported in Antwerp, Leuven.
How common is this scam in Belgium?
Occasional. Belgium is generally safe, but pickpocketing and petty theft are common in Brussels. Other concerns include bicycle theft, unattended belongings being stolen, tourist-trap diamond shops in Antwerp and pushy sweet sellers in Ghent.
Are there similar scams in Belgium?
Yes: pickpocketing, theft of unattended belongings.
Who can I report it to?
Emergency services: call 112 for urgent police, fire or medical help. In Brussels, it works from a mobile phone even without a SIM card. Police: report theft or suspected fraud at a police station. The police number given for Antwerp and Leuven is 101. Antwerp police, non-urgent inquiries: call 0800/12312 free of charge for a non-urgent inquiry or help finding the nearest police station. Leuven local police: call +32 16 21 06 11, or 016 21 06 11 from a local landline. The city centre police station is next to City Hall at Grote Markt. Card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to block a stolen card and report disputed payments. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen or you need help replacing travel documents. Travel insurer: use the contact details on your policy. Keep police reports, receipts and other evidence for your claim.
What number do I call in an emergency in Belgium?
Emergency services: police, fire and ambulance: 112, Police assistance, listed for Antwerp and Leuven: 101.
Reviewed by @snuck