Some jerk keeps vandalizing my lights

What to do when some a-hole insists on stealing or otherwise messing with my lights?

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I super glue every part that isn't required to replace the batteries as I want to not remove / replace them every time I park - over the past few weeks, some jerk is hell bent on messing with them. This has happened 3-4 times now and I'm kinda fed up with it. I was thinking of:

- slathering the (more often vandalized, rear) light with vaseline to send a message

- sticking a note on them saying "cut it out"

After $100 worth of lights being ruined in the past couple weeks, I need to do something.  Alternatively, replacing them with something that is truly and properly theft resistant.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by daWillinChi on September 14, 2015 at 4:08am

Or, here's a thought:  How about just take your lights with you, like most of us who have expensive lights do?

Permalink Reply by Brad Bauer on September 14, 2015 at 4:12am

Yeah. I'm trying to avoid that...

I use my bicycle the way many people use a car. If I recall, you generally don't have to detach your head light and tail lights from your car.

Following your logic, why can't people just behave?

Permalink Reply by daWillinChi on September 14, 2015 at 5:04am

If people behaved, I wouldn't have had to recover my bike that shouldn't have been stolen 4 years ago.

Until such nirvana exist, I will take my lights out every time I lock up my bike. And yes, I commute by bike, every where.

Permalink Reply by Tom A.K. on September 14, 2015 at 6:11am
http://m.click2houston.com/news/catalytic-converter-theft-caught-on...

Brad Bauer said, "you generally don't have to detach your headlights and taillights from your car, why can't people just behave?"

Behave, yes indeed!
But of course, cars are also disrespected in this way.
Yes, and there is no easy way of taking your catalytic converter off, if you own a car, which is currently the favorite item for car thieves in the Chicago area and nationwide.

Yes Brad, as cyclists, venting and ranting is good for our psyche.
Permalink Reply by Brad Bauer on September 14, 2015 at 6:27am

Yeah, I was shocked recently to hear about the CPD apprehending some thieves in Lakeview in possession of dozens of catalytic converters. 

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on September 14, 2015 at 4:31am

If it was my bike, I'd remove the lights when I lock it up.

Permalink Reply by Brad Bauer on September 14, 2015 at 5:57am

Sigh.

I guess I'm going to have to resign myself to removing them. Its annoying. Remove the panniers. Remove the lights. Lock it....

sigh.

Permalink Reply by djm on September 14, 2015 at 6:40am

Yes, its unfortunate, but it will become a habit.  It helps to have lights with quick-release mounts that dont require aiming after reinstallation.

Permalink Reply by Jim Reho on September 14, 2015 at 7:25am

I know it stinks, Brad, but that's how it is.  Sometimes I spend more time securing my bike than on the trip itself.   

Permalink Reply by yai danche on September 14, 2015 at 3:21pm

Yes, one time I didn't bother using the cable I normally use to secure both wheels because I was just running into the store to buy one thing.  I left the cable in my basket. Returned 15 minutes later and it was gone.  I'm surprised at the amount of bikes locked outside with panniers/lights/saddlebags attached.  Some panniers have a tiny lock that goes through the rack and bag but mostly they can easily be stolen by unhooking from the bike rack.

Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on September 14, 2015 at 7:35am

Put your lights on your helmet.

Permalink Reply by Brad Bauer on September 14, 2015 at 7:43am

I have a headlight on top of my helmet. I'm thinking you might be right, time to get a red LED on the back.

Funny aside: people keep asking if the light is a camera. I tell them yes, then ask them to smile and state their full name for the record.

:D

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