Stolen bike on Marktplaats: saved searches and evidence
Search Dutch descriptions as well as the make and model. A bicycle may be advertised simply as fiets, racefiets, bakfiets or elektrische fiets.
Save several useful searches
Search Marktplaats with the make, then broaden the words and location. Save useful criteria with Bewaar in the search results. Marktplaats documents notifications for saved searches; check your account settings rather than assuming a fixed delivery time.
Source: Marktplaats, saved searches.
Preserve the advertisement
Record its number, link, description and pictures. Compare the frame, known repairs and personal modifications. Keep a note of both matching and conflicting details so the evidence does not overstate what the pictures show.
Report a suspicious advertisement
Use Meld aan Marktplaats on the advertisement, explain what is wrong and submit the report. Ask the police how to provide a possible match to your existing theft report.
Source: Marktplaats, reporting a suspicious advertisement.
Marktplaats also points to Stop Heling for serial-number checks. A database check is an additional clue; a missing result does not establish ownership or prove that a bicycle was not stolen.
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.