In Reykjavik, Iceland, a remarkable figure known locally as the “bike whisperer” operates with a unique approach to recovering stolen bicycles. Unlike conventional methods involving anger and police involvement, this individual, Bjartmar Leósson, adopts a more empathetic stance toward bike thieves.
Rather than resorting to punitive measures, Leósson fosters a rehabilitative mindset. Remarkably, law enforcement authorities themselves enlist his help when residents report missing bicycles. In a nation with just one high-security penitentiary, Leósson embodies a paradigm shift from mere criminal justice to comprehensive criminal rehabilitation.
His journey began with a personal experience when his own bicycle was stolen years ago. This incident spurred his interest in understanding the root causes of bike theft, leading him to believe that a Reykjavik homeless shelter served as a focal point for such crimes. Despite observing stolen bikes in plain sight outside the shelter, law enforcement remained inactive, prompting Leósson to take matters into his own hands.
“I was very angry, they were angry. But then I started to think: OK, it doesn’t matter, I can scream until I’m blue in the face, nothing’s going to change,” Mr. Leósson said when he spoke to The Guardian. “So I decided to try to level with them and just talk to them.”
Following their transition, the once-thieving individuals residing in the shelter transformed into vital allies in a widespread crackdown on bike theft across the city. They actively participated in efforts to locate stolen bicycles and facilitate their return to rightful owners. This collaborative endeavor unfolded through the platform provided by Leósson’s Facebook group, “Bicycle Stuff etc Lost, Found, or Stolen,” boasting a membership exceeding 14,000 individuals.
While Reykjavik may not rival Amsterdam in its cycling culture, with only a fraction of its population opting for bicycles as a mode of transportation, recent developments indicate a positive shift. Over the span of two years, reported bike thefts decreased from 569 to 404 incidents, signaling progress in the city’s efforts to combat this issue. Furthermore, the implementation of a government initiative aimed at establishing dedicated cycling routes away from main thoroughfares holds promise for further encouraging biking as a viable means of travel in Reykjavik.
“Bjartmar Leósson is doing a great job finding and collecting bikes that have been stolen,” said the Reykjavík police chief, Guðmundur Pétur Guðmundsson. “Police often guide victims of theft to various sales groups and his [Facebook] group just to increase the likelihood to find the bike a gain.”
Leósson has found that bike thefts often stem from addiction, with individuals resorting to stealing bikes to support their drug habits. The Guardian reports that he has assisted some of these individuals in finding their routes to recovery.
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