Quick Answer
- File a theft report in person at a police box (δΊ€ηͺ: koban) or police stationβyou cannot file by phone.
- Bring: ID, bicycle description, frame number or bicycle registration number (purchase documents work too). Keep the receipt number they give you.
- In our case, we filed in person and kept the receipt number to check on the case later.
If your bicycle gets stolen in Japan, filing a theft report (ηι£ε±: tonan-todoke) means you may be contacted if it's found. However, there are some common misconceptions about the process.
This article explains the procedure based on our real experience, including what documents you need and key points to watch out for.
β οΈ Important: This article is based on personal experience. Procedures may vary by region and individual officers, so consider confirming details in advance.
When Our Bicycle Was Stolen (Real Experience)
The main cause: we hadnβ'βt been locking it regularly.
- Location: Bicycle parking area at our apartment
- Lock status: We hadn't been locking it regularly (the wire lock was left in the basket)
- When we noticed: One morning, ready to commute, the bicycle was gone. We had last used it two days before and hadn't checked since.
- Theft circumstances: A quiet residential area in a regional city, away from downtown
- Items stolen along with it: Bicycle light, wire lock, and helmet (all left in the basket)
- What we did next: Went to the koban β filed a theft report
We deeply regretted not locking the bicycle and leaving items in the basket.
The Lesson
It's easy to think "it's at home, so it's safe," but locking is essential even in your own bicycle parking area. A wire lock is useless if you don't use it. Ideally, use double locks and secure your bicycle to a fixed object like a fence or pole (known as "earth lock" in Japan).
What Do You Need to File a Theft Report?
Required Information and Documents
The following are needed for the filing process
- ID (residence card, passport, driver's license, etc.)
- Frame number or bicycle registration number (having either helps. If you don't know them, bring whatever information you have)
- Frame number: Listed on the safety inspection certificate from purchase
- Bicycle registration number β(βι²η―η»ι²ηͺε·β)β: Listed on the bicycle registration certificate
Helpful Information to Prepare
Having these ready makes the process smoother
- Store name and approximate purchase date
- Bicycle characteristics (color, model, gears or not, etc.)
- Lock type and status (wire lock, U-lock, etc.)
- Items stolen along with the bicycle (light, helmet, basket contents, etc.)
- Approximate time of theft (from when you last saw it to when you noticed it was gone)
Note: You Can File Even Without the Registration Number
In our case, we didn't have the registration number, but by showing the frame number and name on the safety inspection certificate from purchase, the police were able to look up our information. For foreigners, your name spelling might varyβmention multiple patterns to be sure.
That said, registering your bicycle at purchase is recommended. See our guide on bicycle registration when purchasing for more information.
How Does the Filing Process Work?
Step 1: Go to a Koban or Police Station
You can consult by phone, but in our case we were told "you need to come in person to file." The owner must visit a koban (δΊ€ηͺ, police box) or police station.
Phone number guide
- 110: Emergencies (theft in progress, etc.)
- #9110: Non-emergency consultations (police consultation line)
- Filing itself: Done in person at the counter
Step 2: What to Do If the Koban Is Empty
When we arrived, the officer was out on patrol. Many koban have instructions for when no one is present.
- Use the desk phone: At this koban, there was a phone on the desk with instructions to call if no one was there
- Picking up connects to the station: We were asked about our situation and explained we wanted to file a bicycle theft report
- Providing information in advance: After we gave the details and frame number, the officer who came later already had our registration information
Step 3: Filing the Report
After the officer arrived, they confirmed the following
- ID verification
- Bicycle characteristics (color, tire size, accessories, etc.)
- Frame number or registration number
- Lock type and status
- Store name and purchase date
- Estimated damage (current value of the bicycle)
In our case, the police looked up the registration information using the frame number and name from our purchase documents.
Step 4: Report Complete
Once the process is complete, you'll receive a theft report receipt number. Keep this safeβyou'll need it to check on your case later.
How Long Does the Process Take and What Does It Cost?
| Item | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Visit to koban/police station | Varies by crowds and verification. In our case: 30 minβ1 hour | Free |
| Filing the report | In our case: 15β30 minutes | Free |
| Time until bicycle is found | Weeks to months (may not be found at all) | - |
In our case, about three weeks had passed since filing and it still hadn't been found (at time of writing). Considering it might not be recovered, we were also looking into alternative transportation.
How Are Stolen Bicycles Found in Japan?
In Japan, stolen bicycles are typically found through patterns like these
- Collected as abandoned bicycles: Left at stations or shopping areas β removed β registration lookup leads to owner contact
- Discovered during questioning: Police questioning reveals it's a stolen bicycle
- Reported as found property: Someone abandons it and another person reports it as found
- Located via tracking tags β(βAirTag, etc.β)β: Can provide location clues
Bicycles are sometimes recovered in other areas (when moved across municipal boundaries).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a theft report by phone?
For emergencies (theft in progress), call 110. For consultations, call #9110. In our case, we were told "you need to come in person to file," so we did the paperwork at the koban.
Can I file without the registration number?
Yes. In our case, the police looked up our information using the frame number and name on our purchase safety inspection certificate.
What if the koban is empty?
Koban usually have instructions for this. At the one we visited, there was a desk phone to contact the police station. Procedures vary by region, so check the posted instructions or contact the station directly.
How long until the bicycle is found?
It can take weeks to months. In our case, it hadn't been found after about three weeks. Consider arranging alternative transportation while you wait.
How do I calculate the damage amount?
Police record the damage amount, asking about the bicycle's current value. Think of it as "what would I sell this for used?" and answer accordingly.
Is the process the same for foreigners?
Basically yes. However, since there's a lot of specialized vocabulary, bringing notes with the required documents and process can help.
Why Is Bicycle Registration Important?
Bicycle registration (ι²η―η»ι²: bohan toroku) is a system that helps police identify "who owns this bicycle" and "is it stolen." Registration information is used not just for theft prevention, but also for returns through abandoned bicycle collection, police questioning, and found property inquiries (as noted in Chiba Prefectural Police's stated purposes). It also provides a way to contact you if your bicycle is stolen, so registering at purchase is recommended.
Specifically, it helps in these situations
- When a stolen bicycle is found: Owner lookup β contact
- When removed as an abandoned bicycle: Registration lookup returns it to owner
- When checked during questioning or as found property: Verifying if it's stolen
In our case, even without the registration number, the lookup went smoothly using the frame number and name from our purchase documents. Without registration, there are fewer clues for lookup, so registering at purchase is recommended. If you're transferring a bicycle, you'll also need to handle the bicycle transfer and registration process.
Cultural Note: Japan's bicycle registration system was established to prevent theft and identify owners. Registration information is also used when collecting abandoned bicycles, and owners may be contacted for returns. Procedures can vary by region and officer, so if you're concerned, consider calling the police station in advance.
Useful Japanese Phrases to Know
Knowing these terms can help when filing your report
- ηι£ε± (γ¨γγͺγγ¨γ©γ / tonan-todoke): Theft report
- ι²η―η»ι² (γΌγγ―γγ¨γγγ / bohan-toroku): Bicycle registration
- δΊ€ηͺ (γγγ°γ / koban): Police box
- θ»δ½ηͺε· (γγγγγ°γγγ / shatai-bango): Frame number
- εηηͺε· (γγ γγ°γγγ / juri-bango): Receipt/case number
What Should You Do Next?
Immediate Actions
- File a theft report: Go to a koban or police station
- Prepare your documents: ID, frame number, notes about bicycle characteristics
- Keep the receipt number: You'll need it to check on your case
Meanwhile, Consider
- Alternative transportation: It may take weeks or months to recover
- Future theft prevention: Always lock, use wire locks or U-locks, consider tracking tags (AirTag, etc.)
Using Tracking Tags (AirTag, etc.)
These can provide location clues if your bicycle is stolen. However, do not try to recover it yourselfβshare the location information with the police instead.
Night Riding Visibility
Using a light at night is required. Having a high-brightness USB-rechargeable light gives peace of mind.
Bicycle Traffic Violations
Japan introduced a new traffic ticket system for bicycles starting April 2026. See our article on the blue ticket system for bicycles (starting April 2026) for details.
If Your Bicycle Is Found
- Police will contact you: If you filed a report, they'll reach out when it's found
- Pickβ-βup procedure: Collect it at the police station (bring your ID)
Editorial Note: Created based on real experience in December 2025. Procedures may vary by region and officer.
Sources
- Police Consultation (#9110) - Kanagawa Prefectural Police (Accessed: 2025-12-16)
- Chiba Prefectural Police (PDF): Bicycle Registration File (Purpose: theft prevention / recovery of stolen bicycles) (Accessed: 2025-12-15)
- Kagawa Bicycle Association: About Bicycle Registration (explanation of purpose) (Accessed: 2025-12-15)