Bicycle or scooter theft

File a complaint for theft of a bicycle, mountain bike or scooter in Switzerland

Your bicycle was firmly locked to a post, stored in a courtyard or simply left for a few minutes outside a shop… and it has disappeared. Whether a mountain bike, an e-bike or a scooter, someone has stolen a means of transport that has become essential in…

Start my complaint
5-10 min to complete the form
29 CHF one-time payment
No travel to a police station
No account no password needed

Your bicycle was firmly locked to a post, stored in a courtyard or simply left for a few minutes outside a shop… and it has disappeared. Whether a mountain bike, an e-bike or a scooter, someone has stolen a means of transport that has become essential in daily life.

Cycle theft is a frustrating experience. It deprives you not only of an often costly object, but also of your freedom of movement. And yet, in many cases, people hesitate to file a complaint : for lack of time, of proof, or because they think “it will not help”.

A missing bike, three familiar settings

Outside the station or a shop

Five minutes for a coffee, lock on: the bike is gone. Classic, electric or scooter, the pattern is the same.

In the courtyard or on the landing

A bike room, a building yard, a landing. It is still theft, even if it happened “at home”.

Left “just for a moment”

A quick errand, a light lock, no frame number to hand: you can still file a complaint.

Why report the theft of your bicycle?

Whether your bicycle is of high value or not, filing a complaint is a useful and necessary step. It is not merely an administrative formality: it is a concrete act to have what you have suffered recognised.

First, for you: the complaint is an essential piece of evidence if you wish to obtain a refund from your insurer. It also lets you formalise the theft with the authorities, which can be useful if the bicycle is found or if similar complaints are recorded.

Which types of cycles are concerned?

The ma-plainte.ch service lets you file a complaint for any type of stolen cycle, whether a simple bicycle or a more sophisticated means of transport. All are covered:

  • Classic bicycles: city bike, children’s bike, folding bike…
  • Mountain bikes and road bikes: often targeted because of their value
  • E-bikes: particularly sought after, sometimes stolen to order
  • Scooters: electric or not, they have become frequent targets

Useful to gather, even in part

  • Make, model, colour, and frame number if known
  • Type of lock, and whether it was cut or forced
  • Last place you saw it, estimated date and time
  • A photo of the bike or the receipt, if you have it
  • Electric or not, accessories (battery, bag, child seat)

Start my complaint

A cut lock does not cancel your complaint. Nor does a missing serial number: write down what you know.

How does it work?

1

Complete

I complete my complaint form online, calmly, at my own pace. I describe what happened and add the relevant information.

2

Print

Once finished, I receive the form by e-mail. I download it and print it so that I can sign it.

3

Send

I sign the document and send it by post to the competent authority, whose address appears on the form.

Our role, plainly

We guide you through a structured form. We do not replace the police: you print, sign and send the document to the authority indicated.

Processing the complaint remains the exclusive responsibility of the cantonal authorities.

Other situations

Pickpocketing

Theft (simple theft, pickpocketing or theft by trick)

Learn more

File a complaint now.

Have you been the victim of a theft or of damage? Do not leave the matter unresolved.

In a few minutes you can describe what happened and start a simple process without travelling. Your statement matters : for you, for others, and so that the facts are taken into account.

Start now : we guide you step by step.

Start my complaint

Frequently asked questions

My bicycle has been stolen: what should I do first?
Start by noting the essential information: place, date, approximate time of the theft, type of bicycle, colour, visible features, serial number if you have it. You can then immediately file a complaint via ma-plainte.ch, without travelling.
Can I file a complaint even if I have no witness?
Yes. You do not need to have seen the thief in order to report a theft. Most cycle thefts happen discreetly. Your complaint remains valid even without a witness or direct proof.
My bicycle was locked with a lock. Does that change anything?
No, it does not change the filing of the complaint. Simply mention that the bicycle was secured (and, if possible, specify the type of lock). That can help qualify the facts, but it does not prevent you from proceeding.
Do I need the serial number of my bicycle to file a complaint?
It is not mandatory, but it helps. If you have the invoice, a photo or any document linked to the purchase, that can make identification easier if it is recovered.
Is my complaint valid if I go through ma-plainte.ch?
Yes. Once printed, signed and sent, your complaint is forwarded to the competent authorities of your canton. It is recognised like any other complaint filed in person.
My bicycle was stolen several days ago. Is it too late to file a complaint?
No. Even if the theft dates back a few days (or more), you can still file a complaint. Mention the estimated date of the theft in the form.
Can I use this service in my canton?
Yes. The ma-plainte.ch service is available in every Swiss canton. Once your form is completed, you receive the exact address of the authority to which to send your complaint.
How long does it take to complete my complaint?
In general, 5 to 10 minutes are enough. The platform guides you step by step, and you can complete the form calmly from home.
Do I have to go to the police after using ma-plainte.ch?
No. Everything is done remotely. Once your form is printed and signed, you send it by post to the address indicated. There is no need to travel.
Can I get a refund if I find my bicycle?
The complaint remains valid even if you find your bicycle. However, once the form has been generated, payment for the service (29 CHF) is not refundable, because processing starts immediately.
What if my scooter was stolen?
Scooters, whether electric or conventional, are also treated as cycles. You can use ma-plainte.ch to report the theft.

Valid in every canton

Canton of Zurich Canton of Bern Canton of Lucerne Canton of Uri Canton of Schwyz Canton of Obwalden Canton of Nidwalden Canton of Glarus Canton of Zug Canton of Fribourg Canton of Solothurn Canton of Basel-Stadt Canton of Basel-Landschaft Canton of Schaffhausen Canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden Canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden Canton of St. Gallen Canton of Graubünden Canton of Aargau Canton of Thurgau Canton of Ticino Canton of Vaud Canton of Valais Canton of Neuchâtel Canton of Geneva Canton of Jura