Theft prevention

Prevention against theft

Just like the practice of cycling, bicycle theft is on the rise and ULiège campuses are unfortunately not spared.

In order to prevent this scourge from threatening the transition to a more environmentally friendly mobility, projects for the development of premises and the construction of secure shelters are currently being studied by the Administration of Real Estate Resources. In the meantime, there are some tips to help reduce the risk of theft.

Choose a proven lock

No lock is foolproof, but some locks delay or deter thieves while others are locks in name only. Avoid lightweight, inexpensive padlocks and go for "U" shaped locks. Don't hesitate to use two different types of locks to secure the frame and the wheels.

To help you in your choice, do not hesitate to visit the website of the asbl Pro Velo presenting the strong/weak points of the different types of locks available on the market.

If you have taken out a specific insurance policy for your bike, check that the lock you are planning to buy is approved by it.

Always secure your bike!

Whether it's for a few minutes, in a room, a yard, a garage... lock up your bike!

In addition to protecting your bike, some insurance policies will only cover you if your bike was secured at the time of the theft.

How to properly secure your bike?

• Choose secure locations (closed parking lot, room) or with strong social surveillance,
• Favour devices that are firmly anchored in the ground (bicycle arch or post) that also allow you to securely fasten your bicycle,
• If possible, also attach the front wheel (the rear wheel is more difficult to remove),
• If your lock is equipped with a lock, position it downwards to make it harder to break,
• Do not leave your lock on the ground, it makes it easier to break.

We also advise you to take your accessories with you (GPS, Display VAE, panniers...) and to replace the quick-releases of your wheels and your saddle by tightening nuts.

Identify your bike!

In case of theft, engraving your bike will allow the police to identify you as the owner. A free engraving service is available at Point Vélo des Guillemins during opening hours.

We also advise you to write down a description of your bike including the frame number, the brand, the model, the color or particular characteristics (number of gears, accessories, presence of stickers, possible damage...) accompanied by a recent photo of your bike.

This information sheet will be very useful in case of theft, when you have to report it or to post a wanted notice on social networks, for example.

Download this data sheet to describe your bike.

Do you want to insure your bike against theft?

More and more insurance companies are offering bicycle insurance. To find out more about the different offers, the Pro Velo association has drawn up a comparison.

As a reminder, staff members benefit from a 5% discount at ETHIAS.

Victim or witness of a theft ?

Inform the PCA

If you are the victim of a theft or if you observe suspicious behavior, attempted theft or damage on a ULiège campus, notify the Central Alarm Station (PCA) by calling 04/ 366.4444

File a complaint

Filing a complaint will allow you to assert your rights if the bicycle is found and it also allows the authorities to base their actions on statistics.

• In Liege

Here are the contact details of police stations in Liege .

You should know that it is possible, in certain cases, to file a complaint online. To do so, the theft must have been committed on the municipal territory, the perpetrator must be unknown to you, the theft must have been committed without a break-in (we are talking about a break-in of a building/room and not of the lock) and without physical violence or threats.

• In Gembloux

If it is possible to file a complaint online, the Police Zone encourages you to present yourself at the police station, with or without appointment.

• In Arlon

It is possible to go to a police station or to file a complaint online .