Scam in LatviaTheft
Bicycle theft in Latvia
How it works
Bicycles can be stolen. No particular theft technique or location is identified.
Warning signs
- Your bicycle is left unlocked.
- The bicycle is not secured to a fixed object.
How to avoid it
- Lock the bicycle to a fixed object.
- Use secure storage when available.
- Keep a photo and identifying details of the bicycle.
If it happens to you
Report the theft to police. Give them photos, identifying details and the last known location. Notify the rental company if the bicycle was hired.
- Get to a safe place. If you are threatened, injured or prevented from leaving, call 112.
- Contact your card issuer if your card was stolen or used for a disputed payment. Freeze it if needed and ask about a payment dispute.
- Save receipts, bills, booking details, messages and screenshots. Write down the time, location and what happened.
- Report the incident to police. The state police number is 110. Ask for a report reference or copy.
- Notify the relevant taxi service, venue, rental company or course provider. Make any refund request in writing.
- Contact your insurer with the evidence and police report. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen or you need help replacing travel documents.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Travel blog2014Latvia - BeeTraxThe travellers report that two companions had their locked bicycles stolen during a day exploring Riga.Read on Travel blog
- Government advice2020Two brave young men chase a bicycle thief and hold himLatvia's Interior Ministry describes a Riga bicycle theft followed by a pursuit and the suspect's detention.Read on Government advice
- Government advice2020A man detained for a series of bicycle thefts in Sarkandaugava, Vecmilgrāvis and the Quiet CenterPolice report arresting a suspect linked to eight bicycle thefts in Riga, including bicycles taken from apartment-building landings and basements.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the bicycle theft scam in Latvia?
Bicycles can be stolen. No particular theft technique or location is identified.
How can I spot it early?
Your bicycle is left unlocked. The bicycle is not secured to a fixed object.
How do I avoid bicycle theft in Latvia?
Lock the bicycle to a fixed object. Use secure storage when available. Keep a photo and identifying details of the bicycle.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Report the theft to police. Give them photos, identifying details and the last known location. Notify the rental company if the bicycle was hired.
Where in Latvia does this happen?
Across Latvia
How common is this scam in Latvia?
Occasional. Latvia is generally safe for independent travellers, but petty theft and tourist scams do happen. The main concerns are bar extortion, taxi overcharging, extra restaurant charges and language-course payment scams in Riga.
Are there similar scams in Latvia?
Yes: theft of valuables left in cars.
Who can I report it to?
Emergency services: call 112 for immediate danger, threats, injury or being prevented from leaving. State police: call 110 to report a scam or theft. Keep evidence and ask for a report reference. Help after bar scams has reportedly been uneven. Card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number. Report stolen cards, forced payments or disputed charges and ask what recovery options apply. Taxi booking service or taxi company: use the trip's support option or the company's official contact channel. Provide the receipt, route, vehicle registration and details of the disputed fare. Travel insurer: use your policy's claims channel. Submit receipts, evidence and the police report when requested. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need help replacing travel documents.
What number do I call in an emergency in Latvia?
General emergency: 112, State police: 110, Ambulance: 113, Natural gas emergencies: 114.
Reviewed by @snuck