In Norway we have a central register where you can add your bike. Each bike has a serial number engraved in the frame which is used for registering it. In an ideal world, everyone would check the bike they are buying in this register and see if it is reported stolen or not. Of course, this doesn't happen, but the opportunity of it I think helps deterring people somewhat for stealing a bike to resell it.
And last year in my town there was a "big bust" where they found a lot of bikes. Those who had registered their bikes could easily get them back.
And last year in my town there was a "big bust" where they found a lot of bikes. Those who had registered their bikes could easily get them back.