What to Do If Your Bicycle Gets Stolen in Seville

1. Stay Calm and Check the Area

Before panicking, look around carefully. Sometimes:

Someone moved your bike thinking it was in the way.
Police or city services removed it (for being improperly parked).

If you’re in an area with cameras (like parking lots or near shops), note where you are for possible review.

2. Report the Theft to the Police

Always report it, even if you think it won’t help. If your bike is found, the police can only return it if there’s a prior report.

You can report:

In person at a police station (National or Local Police)
Online on the National Police website (you’ll later have to sign at the station)

Have this info ready:

Bike brand and model
Serial number (if you have it)
Photos
Date, time, and place of the theft
Special features (stickers, scratches, etc.)

3. Check Second-Hand Platforms

Many stolen bikes end up on:

Wallapop
Milanuncios
Facebook Marketplace
Telegram groups or local forums

Set alerts, check frequently, and if you see yours, don’t contact the seller directly. Inform the police with proof (screenshots, link to the ad, etc.).

4. Spread the Word

More eyes help. You can:

Post on social media (Twitter, Instagram, etc.)
Notify local bike groups
Use apps like Biciregistro to mark it as stolen
Put up flyers around the area if it was a street theft

5. Check Your Insurance

If you have bike insurance, contact your insurer. Some cover theft even in public spaces (if you used an approved lock). They’ll ask for:

Official police report
Purchase invoice
Photos of the lock and bike

6. Prepare to Avoid Future Thefts

After the scare, prevention is key. Some tips:

Always use a U-lock (avoid cable locks)
Lock it to a fixed object and through the frame
Park in busy, well-lit areas
If possible, register your bike with Biciregistro or use a GPS tracker
Keep photos and serial number saved on your phone

What If I Find It for Sale?

If you see your bike listed online, don’t go after it yourself. Contact the police and let them handle it. Going on your own can be dangerous or pointless if the seller denies everything.

Conclusion

Having your bike stolen in Seville sucks. But you’re not alone: there are ways to act quickly and options to try to get it back. Most importantly, learn from it so it doesn’t happen again.

Need to keep riding? Check out our bike rental marketplace to rent one while you look for yours. Don’t let a theft stop you from pedaling.