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New law to help police recover stolen bikes with GPS trackers
February 25, 2025
Cyclists in England and Wales who use tracking devices to locate stolen bikes could soon see swifter police action, thanks to a new crime and policing bill that would allow officers to enter properties without a warrant when a tracker confirms a stolen item is inside.
Currently, even if a stolen bike is pinpointed using a GPS tracker, police must obtain a court-issued warrant before they can enter a property - often leading to delays that give thieves time to move or dismantle the bike. Under the proposed change, officers could act immediately if getting a warrant is deemed not practicable, increasing the chances of recovering stolen bikes intact.
The Home Office says the change will help police act in the critical 'golden hour' after a theft, when stolen goods are most likely to be found. It applies to any item with electronic location tracking, such as phones and laptops, but is particularly welcome news for cyclists, many of whom use GPS trackers hidden in handlebars or frames to trace stolen bikes.
With bike theft a persistent problem, many victims report frustration at slow police responses, even when they provide precise location data from trackers. The proposed change could give officers the legal backing to act more swiftly, boosting the likelihood of recovering stolen bikes and reuniting them with their rightful owners.
Frustration at police inaction on stolen bikes
One of our customers recently had their expensive e-bike pinched. Armed with the live data from a GPS tracker, he contacted the police. In reply, he received a standard response email saying that due to lack of evidence the case was closed.
Cycle theft plagues our towns and cities,and there are many reasons why it needs to be tackled. Until that happens, the police inaction detailed above is a stark reminder of the benefits of a good standalone cycle insurance policy.
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Information correct at time of publication.
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