Bicycle thefts decline in Finland despite rise in electric bike crimes

Between January and September 2024, approximately 12,500 bicycle thefts were recorded in the Finnish police database. If this trend continues, around 15,600 bicycles could change hands under dubious circumstances by the end of the year, marking nearly a one-third decrease compared to 2020, when about 24,000 thefts were reported. However, thefts of electric bicycles have seen a slight uptick, with around 1,800 stolen by September, closing in on last year’s total of 1,971.

In Rovaniemi, police have observed a significant decline in ordinary bicycle thefts, nearly halving this year. Crime Commissioner Pälvi Suokas from the Lapland Police Department notes that while bicycle thefts are down, other types of crime, particularly fraud, have surged in recent years—described as explosive growth in Lapland. The nature of crime has shifted, now often occurring online rather than in the cold outdoors.

The number of thefts varies widely by region, with bicycles most commonly stolen in areas with higher bike density, particularly in city centers and bike storage facilities during summer. The adoption of GPS tracking devices and improved locking technologies has also contributed to a decrease in thefts.

Suokas stresses the importance of reporting stolen bicycles, as detailed reports increase the likelihood of recovery. Stolen bikes typically do not stray far from their original locations, often found abandoned nearby. If you come across a stolen bike advertised online, be wary of prices that seem too low; however, complete sets of keys, receipts, and manuals may indicate a legitimate sale.

Although the overall number of bicycle thefts has declined, Suokas warns that unlocked bikes remain vulnerable to thieves.