Buying a Second-Hand Bike for Christmas? Make Sure You Check Its History First!

Dear Resident

If you’re planning to give a bicycle as a Christmas gift, take a moment to make sure the bike you’re buying is genuine and not stolen. A few quick checks can protect your money and ensure your festive gift doesn’t lead to disappointment later on. 

What is BikeRegister? 

BikeRegister is the UK’s national cycle database, used by police forces across the country to help identify and return stolen bicycles. When a bike is registered, its details—such as the frame number, description, and security marking—are stored securely. 
If a bike is stolen or recovered, officers can use BikeRegister to trace it back to its rightful owner. 

Many registered bikes have a stencil marking or etching on the frame, often found on the underside. 
Others may display a tamper-proof sticker on the frame. These markings allow you to check the bike’s status on the BikeRegister website to confirm if it’s stolen or legitimately owned. 

The National Cycle Database | BikeRegister

If the bike is marked and everything appears genuine, it’s important for the seller to log into their BikeRegister account and update the bike’s status to show it has been sold. This ensures the database remains accurate and allows the new owner to be properly registered

Want Your Own Bike Registered? 

If any residents have a new or existing bike and would like it added to BikeRegister, we’re happy to attend and register it for you. Simply get in touch and we’ll arrange a convenient time. 

A few simple checks can help prevent buying stolen property and ensure your Christmas gift is safe, legal, and ready to be enjoyed. 

If you have any questions or concerns please let me know.

Regards

Dan