Usually, baby strollers don't catch people's attention; however, the pricey ones have become a target for thieves, just like bicycles.
According to the police data, 3,500 strollers were stolen in the past five months in Paris and its suburbs.
Although nurseries were closed in 2020 because of the pandemic, police departments received 594 reports from parents whose children's strollers were stolen.
Thieves groups target high-demand brands known for advanced features that ensure the safety and comfort of the child. They are also easy to move and fold, which means they don't take much place in the house. And because these types of strollers are loaded with features, they could cost up to $1,000, more than advanced bicycles.
The YOYO stroller is the Rolls Royce of children strollers, and it's among the most seen on the streets of the French capital. This makes it the first target of stroller thieves, who tend to track mothers, watch their residence, and locate the place where they park the strollers.
Thefts of ground floors in residential buildings are common, but most complaints come from nurseries, where strollers are being stolen from the parking during the day.
This could expose the safety of children, infants, and toddlers to serious risks. A police department in the suburbs recorded the theft of 17 strollers on one day.
In some cases, parents seek compensation from the nursery's insurance company. However, strollers are rarely included in insurance contracts, which usually cover fires and building collapses, and do not mention children's lost properties. According to the police, 2019 was the worst year because it saw 773 thefts of pricey strollers.
The stolen strollers often reappear on websites selling second-hand items. However, the source of these strollers is hard to determine, because thousands of the same model are sold in the markets. Some tend to mark the stroller by dying the wheels with a bright color, or by putting their baby's name on the rain shield.
The police recommend parents to secure their child's stroller with locks similar to those used on bikes parked in the streets. But, people who might consider buying a lock for a baby stroller are few.
