There were several patterns in the times and places where bicycle theft is most common.
While theft increases in the summer, the combined data from all surveyed cities show a downward trend in reported thefts. The only city in which bicycle thefts were trending upward is Montreal, though data for 2023 and 2024 were not available at the time of writing. The decline is also evident when correcting for population growth.1,2
Not every police service reported the locations from which bicycles were stolen. Square One categorized the reported theft locations from Vancouver, Toronto, Victoria, and Winnipeg between 2016 and 2024, totalling over 68,000 thefts. The most common places for bicycles to be stolen from are:
- Residential properties: 40%
- Outdoors (parks, streets, etc.): 33%
- Commercial properties: 15%
- Educational facilities: 4%
- Transit vehicles or facilities: 1%
- Other: 7%
Thefts from residences were the most common in each city, aside from Vancouver, where thefts from public outdoor areas were more prevalent. Many residential property thefts were reported, even when the bicycles were stored inside garages or sheds.
Although bicycle thefts may be on the decline overall, cyclists are advised to remain vigilant and take steps to protect their bikes. Only around 15% of stolen bicycles are ever recovered.3 Here are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of theft and increase the chance of successful recovery if the worst should happen:
- Buy a quality bike lock (or locks). Even the best available locks won’t stop a determined thief. However, a good lock may encourage a thief to move on to an easier target. A combination of multiple lock types (for example, a hardened-steel U-lock plus a chain lock) also helps, as it will require the thief to use multiple tools.
- Register your bicycle. Many police services offer registry programs for bicycles that will make it easier to return your bike to you if it is stolen. Project 529 is a program that supports theft recovery with free registry and partnerships with law enforcement and other organizations. Keep current photos of your bike available on your phone.
- Park your bike only in secure locations. If you must park in a publicly accessible area, lock the bike to a secure rack that’s fastened to the ground or to a building. You should be able to secure both the wheels and the frame to the rack. Look for parking areas with plenty of people around, and don’t leave any accessories with your locked-up bike. Don’t leave bicycles in public overnight.
If your bicycle is stolen and not quickly recovered, you may be able to claim the loss through your home insurance, provided you had adequate coverage.
“Many home insurance policies include some level of coverage for bicycles,” says Daniel Mirkovic, President + CEO of Square One. “However, it may be quite low, requiring customers to buy coverage for high-value bicycles. With home insurance policies from Square One, customers can add bicycle coverage in the amount of their choosing. Only bicycles worth more than $3,000 need to be specifically listed.
“We advise every bicycle owner to check their home insurance policy with regards to bicycle coverage. Especially owners of high-value bicycles or e-bikes, the standard coverage on many policies won’t be adequate.
“It’s also worth knowing that your home insurance policy’s liability coverage will respond if you’re liable for accidentally injuring someone or damaging their property while operating your bike.”
To learn more about bicycle insurance options, speak with your insurance provider or visit squareone.ca.
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- Municipal police services serving a population of 100,000 or more, Canada, 2019. Statistics Canada. Retrieved June 20, 2025, from www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/85-002-x/2019001/article/00015/tbl/tbl05-eng.htm.
- Population estimates, July 1, by census metropolitan area and census agglomeration, 2016 boundaries. Statistics Canada. Retrieved June 20, 2025, from www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=1710014801&pickMembers%5B0%5D=2.1&pickMembers%5B1%5D=3.1&cubeTimeFrame.startYear=2017&cubeTimeFrame.endYear=2024&referencePeriods=20170101%2C20240101.
- Patterns in Bike Theft and Recovery. Cohen, A. et al. Retrieved June 20, 2025 from doi.org/10.32866/001c.90056.
About Square One
Established in 2011, Square One is an online insurance provider based in Vancouver and operating in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. Square One’s focus is affordable insurance in plain language, with customizable coverage and top-notch customer service. Square One offers homeowner, condo owner, tenant, and landlord policies, as well as car insurance in Ontario and Quebec. For more information or to get a home insurance quote, visit squareone.ca.
For more information on this release, please contact:
Aneel Mattu
Director, Marketing
Square One Insurance Services
1.855.331.6933 ext 127
778.919.2096 (M)
aneel.mattu@squareone.ca
Established in 2011, Square One is an online home and car insurance provider. Square One offers home insurance in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. It offers auto insurance in Ontario and Quebec, with availability in more provinces to follow. Square One focuses on providing customers with affordable home and car insurance that they can customize to their individual needs. For more information, visit squareone.ca.