The goal of bike thieves: To quickly turn the bike into money before you realise it. But there is one weapon that makes every fence sweat: coding. We explain how to make your bike unsellable - and how to recognise if someone is trying to sell you a hot commodity when buying second-hand.
A stolen bike is nothing more than currency for a professional thief. His goal: quick money on online platforms or flea markets. In this part of the series, we will show you how to make your bike "unusable" for the black market and how to prevent yourself from accidentally buying stolen goods.
Coding: the "brand" for your bike
While a frame number often only exists in the manufacturer's database, an EIN code (owner identification number) is a clear message to any fence. How does it work? A special device engraves or embosses an encrypted code into the frame (usually on the seat tube). This code contains your initials, your address and the current year in encrypted form.
The deterrent effect: A thief immediately realises that this bike cannot be sold on anonymously. Every buyer and every police officer recognises at first glance that the seller is probably not the rightful owner.
Where can you get it done? The ADFC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Fahrrad-Club), many police stations and specialised bicycle dealers offer appointments for coding (costs approx. €10 - €20).
Caution with carbon: Engraving is not possible with carbon frames or extremely thin-walled aluminium frames as it could jeopardise stability. In this case, special, high-strength adhesive codes are used, which cannot be removed without leaving residue.
Keep your eyes open when buying second-hand: the fence trap
Especially in the hobby scene, high-quality frames or components are often bought second-hand. But be careful: If you unknowingly buy a stolen bike, you are not acquiring legal ownership (it is not possible to acquire stolen property in good faith in Germany). If the police find the bike, you will have to hand it in without compensation.
But how do you recognise "hot goods"?
- The price: A €4,000 e-bike for €800? If an offer sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
- The handover: The seller only wants to meet at a neutral location (car park, train station) and does not disclose his private address.
- Missing accessories: E-bikes are often missing the original charger or the keys for the battery - a classic indication of theft.
The safety check before you buy
Before you hand over money, you should take the following three steps:
- Check frame number: Get the frame number in advance and check it online in databases such as *Fahrradjäger* or (if possible) ask the local police for it.
- Insist on a purchase contract: Use a sample purchase contract (available free of charge from the ADFC or ADAC). An honest seller will have no problem showing his ID.
- Original vouchers: Ask for the original invoice. It not only serves as proof of ownership, but is also important for any remaining guarantees.
Your "Unsellable" checklist:
- Coding: Make an appointment with the ADFC or the police (bring proof of purchase and ID!).
- Documentation: Take photos of the coding and special features.
- Second-hand rule: Never buy without a written purchase contract and verification of the seller's identity.
