Bicycle theft in Bremen: Almost 6,300 bikes disappeared!
Petty thefts of bicycles are increasing in the north of Bremen. Statistics show alarming numbers and prevention measures.

Bicycle theft in Bremen: Almost 6,300 bikes disappeared!
In the state of Bremen, an average of 19 bicycles are stolen every day. That's an alarming number that keeps local authorities on their toes. In a question to the Senate, the CDU emphasized that Bremen has one of the highest theft rates in Germany. According to a report by the Weser courier A total of 6,270 bicycles were stolen last year, an increase compared to 4,732 cases in 2021.
The situation in individual districts is particularly worrying: in Burglesum the thefts rose dramatically from 75 in 2021 to 185 in 2024. In Vegesack the numbers were also increased from 146 in 2021 to 201 in 2024, while in Blumenthal the number of thefts with 56 in 2024 was also a decrease compared to 2022 170 represents. It is also worth mentioning that the clearance rate for bicycle theft in Bremen varies between 2.8% and 7%, which is also low compared to the rest of the country.
The general trends and measures
The police in Bremen carry out both uniformed and covert operations in high-crime locations. These operations are not only limited to bicycle thefts, but also include the area of narcotics, which is often linked to the thefts. More and more cyclists are now using GPS trackers to find their bikes. This could be a reason for the decline in theft numbers, as well as the fact that the perpetrators in Bremen are on average male and between 25 and 30 years old, with some being considered “professionalized” criminals.
Loud Buten and inland Bicycle thefts are particularly common in the Mitte, Schwachhausen and Neustadt districts, while Blumenthal, the harbors and Oberneuland are among the safest districts. The situation in Bremerhaven also became more severe: 501 bicycles were stolen there in 2022, a decrease compared to previous years. Local police see this trend as the result of more intensive police measures.
Safety measures for bicycle owners
Security begins with the purchase of a bicycle: the average loss from theft is now around 1,190 euros, which is more than three times as high as 20 years ago. Experts recommend high-quality locks and securing the wheels to solid objects. The visibility of the bike also plays a role in deterring potential thieves. At the same time he advises ZDF for regular insurance checks and for keeping purchase receipts and photos as proof.
The Bremen police also offer consultation hours for coding bicycles in several parts of the city in order to increase the likelihood of stolen bikes being returned. In 2020, four coded bicycles were returned to their owners in Bremerhaven, but it turns out that not all codes are documented, which may be due to data protection requirements.
In order to help cyclists in Bremen, it is essential to find out about current developments and take appropriate measures. Because it looks like bike safety remains a hot topic.