You know you are in The Netherlands when you read a news item like this. Apparently nearly 2900 bikes were stolen in The Hague region in the first six months of this year, compared with 5000 last year. This I guess is only reported theft, as many could not be bothered reporting it, unless for insurance purposes. I had my bike stolen right in front of my house. I have since learnt to lock it and now realise that even a safe street has its criminal elements who pass through. Mind you bike theft is the only serious crime here, well apart from dog owners not cleaning up after their dogs!

My tally of bikes in the low lands. The first bike broke, left it in front of Centraal Station in order to fix it later. But I had to go away for three months (Australia and the US) and when I returned I could not remember where I parked it. If you see Centraal Station you will know what I mean about not remembering. Its always a fun sight to observe other Dutchies walking up and down the rows of bikes, scratching their heads and trying to find their bikes. Theft is not the first thing that comes to your mind, as only certain types of bikes get stolen. The ones that are sellable by junkies. Second bike, got a nice vintage one, done it up and it served me well. This the one that was stolen. My fault entirely. Left key in ignition and it was too tempting I guess. So now I ride around on my third bike. Its almost falling apart, sticky tape is holing the front together, the gears do not work, neither do the lights but it gets me to A to B. The risk of this bike getting stolen are slim but you never know. I will let you know if I have to acquire my fourth bike in The Netherlands.