Benelux countries, Germany boost cooperation to tackle cross-border bike theft

By Melike Pala

BRUSSELS (AA) - The Benelux countries and the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia have agreed to strengthen cooperation in the fight against cross-border bicycle theft, Benelux Union Secretary General Frans Weekers announced Tuesday.

The new cooperation aims to accelerate investigations and boost the likelihood of catching thieves, according to the Belga news agency.

Millions of bicycles are reported stolen across Europe each year, with many cases involving organized criminal networks operating beyond national borders.

In the Netherlands alone, thousands of bicycles disappear every month, while tens of thousands are stolen annually in Germany, many of which are later transported across borders. The number of stolen electric bicycles in Europe has also risen by 30% in recent years.

"Bicycle theft is not a minor problem," Weekers said. "It undermines citizens' confidence in sustainable mobility and discourages people from using bicycles."

As part of the joint plan, the Benelux countries and North Rhine-Westphalia will implement three concrete measures. Police forces will first improve data exchange to help identify and trace stolen bicycles more efficiently, even when they are recovered abroad.

They will also strengthen cooperation through joint checks and investigations. Additionally, authorities plan to link national bicycle registration systems to facilitate faster verification of ownership.