Bicycle theft instead of joy: This is how the police caught the perpetrator!
Police reports from Havelland: Bicycle theft and break-ins concern the regional authorities on June 20, 2025.

Bicycle theft instead of joy: This is how the police caught the perpetrator!
In the Havelland and Brandenburg an der Havel region there have been repeated reports of bicycle thefts in recent days. One incident in particular stands out: On June 18, 2025, between 10:45 and 11:00 a.m., a 26-year-old parked his bicycle at the train station. A short time later it was stolen from him. However, the bike was able to be located thanks to a GPS tracker, which led the police to the trail of a 63-year-old suspect who was found with the murder weapon. The damage amounts to around 50 euros, an investigation has been initiated, as rathenow24.de reports.
Bicycle theft is a widespread problem in Germany. Over 100,000 bicycles are stolen every year. The region around Brandenburg is also affected. To protect yourself from theft, we recommend using high-quality U-locks or armored cable locks and attaching the bike to solid objects. It is also advisable to additionally secure bicycle parts and follow the advice of the police. Thefts should be reported to the police within 48 hours, ideally with a police bicycle pass that contains important information about the bike, as adac.de suggests.
Protection and insurance
But no matter how careful you are, theft can never be completely ruled out. Statistics show that an impressive 135,000 bicycle thefts were insured in 2024 - 10,000 fewer than in the previous year. Nevertheless, the financial damage amounted to 160 million euros, the highest level in the last 20 years, according to gdv.de. Bicycle owners, especially those with high-quality bikes or e-bikes, should consider special bicycle insurance. This often offers more protection than regular household contents insurance and covers various risks, from theft to vandalism to damage. Insurance companies also have higher compensation amounts than household contents insurance, so it may be worth thinking about choosing the sum insured.
Before you buy a used bike, make sure it is not a stolen bike. Always request proof of ownership and be wary of extremely cheap offers. In addition to the police, the search for stolen bicycles can also be done via local classified ads and dealers.
More incidents in the region
The police don't just have to deal with bicycle thefts. On the same day, a 45-year-old driver in Rathenow was stopped on suspicion of cannabis consumption. Signs were discovered, which led to a blood sample being taken. Administrative offense proceedings were also initiated.
In Nauen there was a break-in at night in a van from which tools worth around 2,000 euros were stolen. Finally, a Renault van was stolen from a workshop in Brandenburg an der Havel. Despite ongoing searches, the perpetrators remain unknown.
Overall, it is clear that protection against theft is more important than ever. Whether through modern technology such as GPS trackers or through proper insurance – it is the responsibility of each individual to provide the best possible protection for their own bikes. Let's use the tips and be vigilant!