Short answer: Report the theft on politi.dk with MitID and the bike's frame number, or call the police on 114 if you don't have MitID. Then report it to your insurer, who will usually want the police report and the certificate for an approved lock. Then check the police lost property office, because found bikes in Copenhagen are only kept for one month.
You're not alone. 44,043 bike thefts were reported in Denmark in 2025. That's more than 120 a day.
1. Find the frame number
The frame number (stelnummer) is usually under the bottom bracket, where the pedals attach. It has 1-5 letters, at least one digit, and ends with a letter, for example ABC1234A. If you didn't write it down, it's often on the receipt or your insurance papers.
Tip for next time: take a photo of the frame number the day you get the bike.
2. Report it to the police
You report a bike theft on politi.dk using MitID. You'll need:
- the frame number
- the name of your insurer
- what the bike cost, including accessories
- when and where it was stolen
- any witnesses
The receipt goes to your Danish digital mailbox. No MitID yet? That's common if you've just arrived. Call the police on 114 instead.
3. Report it to your insurer
The police report doesn't go to your insurer automatically. You have to do that yourself.
Danish home contents insurance (indboforsikring) normally covers bike theft, though some insurers need an add-on. Your insurer will usually want:
- the police report
- the frame number
- the receipt and lock certificate for an approved lock
An approved lock is Varefakta-approved, has a VK number and comes with a lock certificate stamped by a Danish retailer. Keep that certificate. Without it, your insurer may refuse to pay.
There's an excess, and it depends on your insurer and policy. Check your own policy.
4. Look for your bike
- Police lost property: In Copenhagen, found bikes are only kept for one month. After that they're destroyed or sold on Lauritz.com. The office is at Amager Strandvej 3-5 and is open Tuesdays 9-14.
- Check if a bike is reported stolen: The police have a frame number search. It only works for Danish frame numbers. Worth doing before you buy a used bike, too.
How many bikes are stolen in Denmark?
| Year | Reported bike thefts in Denmark |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 37,373 |
| 2022 | 46,105 |
| 2023 | 48,326 |
| 2024 | 48,178 |
| 2025 | 44,043 |
In 2023, 17,317 bike thefts were reported in Copenhagen and 4,576 in Aarhus. About a third of each year's thefts happen in summer.
What if it's a subscription bike?
Then it's much simpler. With Ring Ring, you report the theft on politi.dk (or call 114) and send us the case number within 48 hours. You pay the bike's DKK 800 replacement price, minus your deposit, and get a new bike from your shop for a new deposit. No insurance claim and no second-hand bike hunt. If the old bike turns up within 30 days, you get DKK 600 back.
The bike must have been locked with the lock that came with it. Read the details in our terms.
Frequently asked questions
How do I report a stolen bike in Denmark?
Online at politi.dk with MitID. You'll need the frame number, your insurer, the price, and when and where it happened. Without MitID, call the police on 114.
Does Danish home insurance cover bike theft?
Usually yes, though some insurers need an add-on. You'll normally have to show the police report, the frame number and the certificate for an approved lock.
How long do the police keep found bikes in Copenhagen?
One month. After that they're destroyed or sold on Lauritz.com.
Where is the frame number on my bike?
Usually under the bottom bracket, where the pedals attach. It's often on the receipt and insurance papers too.
What does it cost if a subscription bike is stolen?
With Ring Ring you pay the bike's DKK 800 replacement price. Your deposit is deducted, and you get a new bike from your shop for a new deposit. The theft must be reported to the police.
Sources
Checked 29 September 2026. Most sources are in Danish.
- Danish Police: Report a bike theft, Check if a bike is reported stolen, Lost property in Copenhagen
- Statistics Denmark: STRAF10, reported bike thefts, A third of bike thefts happen in summer
- Forsikringsoplysningen (Insurance & Pension Denmark): Bike insurance
- Varefakta: Approved bike locks