Linz is the front runner: bicycle thefts will increase again for the first time in 2023

In total, according to the Austrian Transport Club (VCÖ), ten percent more bikes were stolen in 2023 than in 2022. That corresponded to 18,566 officially reported stolen bikes, it said in a broadcast on Thursday.

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60 percent of the crimes occurred in the state capitals. Vienna was an exception: almost seven percent fewer bicycles were stolen there in 2023 than in 2022. The number of reported bicycle thefts in this country fell for eight years in a row, from 28,274 in 2014 to 16,824 in 2022.

However, in relation to the population, it is currently particularly dangerous for Linzers to park their vehicle. In all state capitals – except Vienna – thefts increased last year. In absolute numbers, this means that 6,328 bikes were stolen in the federal capital. In Lower Austria 2,747 (plus 28.1 percent) and in Upper Austria 2,682 (plus 27.2 percent).

Linz is the front runner

In Linz, 63 bicycles were stolen per 10,000 inhabitants. The city of Salzburg and Klagenfurt followed with 52 and 49 bicycle thefts per 10,000 people, respectively. In absolute numbers, there were the fewest bicycle thefts in the Hermagor and Murau districts last year, namely three each. This is followed by the Tamsweg district with five and the statutory city of Waidhofen an der Ybbs with nine. Outside the capitals, the most bicycles were stolen in the Mödling district (347).

The chances of getting the stolen bike back are quite slim. The clearance rate increased slightly last year, but at 9.3 percent it was still in the lower range. Only 1,727 corresponding offenses could be solved. The VCÖ therefore recommends noting down the frame number of the bike. This makes it easier for a vehicle that is found again to be returned to its rightful owner. For high-quality or newer bikes, theft insurance is also recommended, according to the transport club.

Safe parking spaces required

The VCÖ, which refers to figures from the Ministry of the Interior, once again called for more safe parking spaces at leisure facilities, shopping streets and train stations. “Bicycles are also a popular means of access to public transport. There is a need for safe and sufficient parking spaces for bicycles, especially at train stations, subway stations and, especially in the regions, near bus stops,” says VCÖ spokesman Christian Gratzer. In any case, the owners are required to lock the bike with a good lock at every stop. The frame with the lock should be attached to a bicycle bracket.

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