Canberra is grappling with a rampant wave of bicycle thefts, leaving victims frustrated as recovery rates remain alarmingly low. From traditional bicycles and tricycles to e-bikes and even a unicycle, thieves are targeting cycles worth thousands of dollars, with daily social media posts lamenting the losses.
Victims Share Their Stories of Loss and Disappointment
Despite the presence of CCTV footage in some instances, the recovery rate in the capital city is minimal. Many complainants report that their cases are closed prematurely due to insufficient visual clarity in the footage, while others remain in limbo, awaiting answers from authorities.
A Costly Theft at the National Library
Cyann Vlatkovic, an employee at the National Library of Australia, experienced this firsthand on January 6, 2026, her first day back at work. She parked her $3296 Lekker Urban 8 e-bike, her primary mode of transport, at the staff entrance, only to have it stolen by a fit bloke captured on workplace CCTV around 3pm.
It was the last time she saw it, she said, stunned by the audacity of the theft in a heavily monitored area filled with government offices.
Police Response Leaves Victims Disheartened
Ms Vlatkovic described the police response as very disheartening. After waiting nearly 90 minutes on the non-emergency line, she filed an online report but received no confirmation. A visit to Braddon Police Station revealed delays due to the Summernats festival, with no officer assigned for a week.
An ACT Policing spokesperson explained, CCTV footage was provided, however the distance and quality meant it was not possible to identify the alleged offender. As there were no further avenues of investigation, the matter was finalised.
Unicycle Theft Highlights Unique Losses
For 21-year-old university student Nathalie, her unicycle was more than a novelty—it had been her main transportation since high school. Stolen from outside the Canberra Centre on January 7, she reviewed CCTV with security, witnessing a man take her unicycle and another bike simultaneously.
It has a yellow valve cap and red rims; it is very special to me, she said, noting the case went stale, possibly due to police priorities during Summernats.
Police Data and Recovery Challenges
According to ACT Policing, 543 bicycles were reported stolen in 2025, a slight decrease from previous years. However, hundreds of recovered bikes sit unclaimed at the Exhibit Management Centre in Mitchell because owners cannot be identified.
Police dispose of unclaimed bicycles every four to six months and are urging residents to use BikeLinc, a free service to record serial numbers and contact details.
Registration Key to Improving Recovery Rates
Police use BikeLinc to identify owners when bikes are recovered, said a spokesperson. The public can also use the platform to ensure second-hand bikes haven't been stolen.
This initiative aims to address the low recovery rates, as many thefts involve high-value items like e-bikes, with victims often left without their primary transport.
The ongoing issue underscores the need for better prevention and investigation efforts in Canberra's cycling community.
