document updated 11 years ago, on Jul 2, 2013
There are a few basic steps that bicycle owners can do before their bike is stolen, to improve the chances that they'll get their bike back:
- record the make/model/year of the bike
- record the serial number of the bike
(often stamped into the metal on the underside of the frame, or near the seat post)
- have a picture of the bike, to make it possible to identify the bike itself
- if you significantly change the appearance of the bike, update this photo
- have one or more ways to prove that you own the bike
- a copy of the receipt, from buying the bike
- failing that, have receipts from repairing the bike
in Chicago
If you live in Chicago, you can register your bike with the police department here