Stolen bike on Gumtree: searching and reporting a listing
Keep the Gumtree ad reference with the original link. The listing can disappear, while the reference may help the platform and police identify it.
Search with more than one description
On Gumtree, compare a make-and-model search with broader descriptions such as road bike, folding bike or electric bike. Review other locations as well as the place where the bike was stolen.
A price range that is too narrow can hide a useful lead. The asking price and the location in the advertisement are not ownership evidence.
Keep searches and leads organised
Gumtree’s official Help Desk lists guidance on searching and managing alerts. Check the instructions for your account and app version. Keep the search terms and areas you have already checked alongside any saved advertisements.
Report the advertisement
Gumtree provides a report control on the advertisement page. Give its moderation team the relevant facts, including the advertisement reference. Preserve your copy first and ask the police how to proceed when the bicycle may be yours.
Source: Gumtree, reporting an advertisement.
Gumtree’s guidance on reporting to the police asks users to keep the ad reference and correspondence. Use the reporting route for the UK nation where the theft happened; the country guide below explains the starting points.
Country guides
If you find a possible match
Save the original listing URL, its reference, the date, the description and photographs. Compare scratches, repairs and changed parts with your own photographs. The same model or colour is not enough to identify a bike. Give the evidence to the police with your report reference and follow their instructions. Do not confront the seller.
Searching with Retrace
Retrace compares your bicycle photos with listings on covered sites and alerts you to possible matches. Check coverage for your country before starting a search. Private groups and messages are not covered. Each possible match needs checking.