"Unknown perpetrators stole a silver rollator from a house entrance on Ringlebenstrasse during the night leading up to Tuesday. The damage is estimated at around 150 euros. " This was the simple report from the Arnsberg police regarding the incident.
But there's often much more to such reports: For those affected, a stolen rollator means not only financial loss, but also an immediate restriction of their mobility. Unfortunately, this happens more frequently in cities because rollators are often left outside or in hallways.
It's hard to believe, but reselling them is actually profitable for thieves. In Eastern Europe, there are buyers who purchase rollators by the container load, especially high-quality models like carbon fiber rollators.
Has your rollator just been stolen? This article outlines the most important steps to take immediately: " What to do if my rollator has been stolen?"
The good news: With a few targeted measures, the risk can be significantly reduced. Here are the five most effective methods to reliably protect your rollator from theft.
1. Park the rollator in a lockable rollator garage.
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The safest protection is clearly a closed, weatherproof storage location.
A rollator garage prevents theft, weather damage, and unnecessary trouble with neighbors or the property management.
Advantages:
- fully lockable
- weatherproof
- clean, firm parking space
- ideal for keeping hallways clear
If you are currently looking for a rollator garage, please take a look at our website Deutsche Rollatorgaragen . We offer a wide selection of boxes and garages and provide installation services throughout Germany.
2. Secure the rollator with a sturdy lock.
If there is no room for a garage, a good lock will help.
The best locks are U-locks and folding locks, like the ones you know from bicycles.
Here's what you should pay attention to:
- steel core or similar
- high security level
Important: Always lock the rollator to a fixed object.
3. Mount a hidden GPS tracker on the rollator
Modern GPS trackers give you complete control and warn you immediately if the rollator is moved. Tracking is conveniently done via smartphone.
Advantages:
- Live tracking
- Alarm upon movement
- good deterrent
Popular hiding places:
- under the seat
- in the basket
- inside the frame
4. Place the rollator as close to the living area as possible.
A well-chosen location can make a big difference. Unfortunately, in many apartment buildings, it's difficult to reach an agreement that allows a rollator to be kept in the hallway at all. Carrying it up to the apartment every day or storing it in the basement is also not a realistic option for many users.
Good places:
- right at the house entrance
- in the illuminated area
- under a canopy or carport
- within sight of a window
A notice:
Even if you live in a remote area or the location is well-lit, we strongly recommend using at least a small lock. Even for opportunistic thieves who intend to resell the rollator later on eBay Classifieds, an unsecured rollator can quickly become a temptation.
5. Have the rollator marked and coded.
Many thefts are opportunistic. This is precisely where a clearly visible marking is extremely effective. Making your rollator easily identifiable significantly reduces the risk.
Particularly effective and cost-efficient: Coding . An individual EIN code (owner identification code) is permanently stamped into the frame. This allows the police to clearly assign the rollator to a specific person and return it immediately in case of theft.
Advantages of coding:
- deters thieves
- makes resale virtually impossible
- Immediately identifiable by the police
- inexpensive (often 5 to 10 euros)
Coding is a great solution, but unfortunately, only a few suppliers, manufacturers, or medical supply stores offer it. We recommend contacting Rollator Experts . They usually offer this service.
In addition to the coding, other visible characteristics help:
- Name tag
- Stickers or individual markings
- documented serial number
- Photos for later identification
Coding or markings are one of the strongest passive theft protection measures available.
Conclusion
A rollator symbolizes independence – and that's precisely why it should be protected. A rollator garage offers the best protection, followed by sturdy locks and coding or marking.
Choosing a well-lit parking space significantly minimizes the risk.
If you're looking for a secure and weatherproof storage space: Our rollator garages at Deutsche Rollatorgaragen are specially designed for theft and weather protection. We'd be happy to advise you!