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Some of us were taking turns going down stairs and checking on our bikes. We noticed small things missing...like blinkys.
There was a guy that almost got his wheel stolen...the nuts were removed and wheel off frame. But because he had a lock through wheel and frame, it was just left for him to piece back together.
So,answer is...Yes
I think we need to also have more & better education among the bike community about proper lock-up technique.
If a thief is able to ride away on your bike after pulling a pole (sucker-pole or unbolted) then the bike was not locked through the wheel(s) and not immobilized.
I hate using a pole because it is such a simple matter to pull the bolt but I do it on occasion if it is for a short time and it's daylight out when there are no better options. But I won't make it easy for the thief to simply ride away on my bike with the lock just dangling off of the frame. He's going to have to carry it and my beast isn't light -drag it is more like it ;) Or cut the U-locks.
I'm not blaming the poor guy who lost his bike last night -but it is a horrible way to learn a lesson about how easy it is for a thief to yank a pole and ride away. I think it would be better if that lesson could be taught in a less expensive and painful way before the incident so that better locking techniques are used city-wide by the majority of the Chicago-area bicyclists.
But I suppose that would just breed a better, sneakier, more-equipped thief in the end.
Bike thieves suck.
S.Presley said:
Some of us were taking turns going down stairs and checking on our bikes. We noticed small things missing...like blinkys.
There was a guy that almost got his wheel stolen...the nuts were removed and wheel off frame. But because he had a lock through wheel and frame, it was just left for him to piece back together.
So,answer is...Yes
My mind keeps going back to the people who claim to have seen this happen. It's nice that they noticed the green shoes, but how about saying or doing something in an attempt to prevent the theft.
Uhhh yeah, why didn't anybody watching intervene? People are just too afraid to get into other people's business sometimes.
Fail, I'm usually standing outside cause i don't like the Polkaholics. It's like the CTA - if you see something say something. Jesus. Sorry to the dude who had his bike swiped. And the witnesses are sorry for not doing shit.
I would have at least followed until I saw where they were going. Maybe to a car around the corner(usual M.O.) and then gotten the license plate number. AND for sure text my fellow riders up stairs(at the same time) to come out. I know several that are salivating to catch a thief.
I'm not a big fan of the Sheldon Method.
If they REALLY want your bike, they will get it. It is still the best strategy I know of.
James BlackHeron said:
I'm not a big fan of the Sheldon Method.
15 seconds to cut through the wheel and it is buh-bye.
They can find another wheel off of an another bike just about anywhere and in another 15 seconds they've got a whole bike again to sell.
Bazinga!
Sheldon "potential" flaw, was the key word there. And much potential damage to the frame in the manner that guy was going at it. Your better technique is?
James BlackHeron said:
15 seconds to cut through the wheel and it is buh-bye.
They can find another wheel off of an another bike just about anywhere and in another 15 seconds they've got a whole bike again to sell.
Bazinga!
Yes, but that way is easier to defeat than a lot of others.
People forget that Sheldon did not live in a high theft risk area so you need to take his opinion on locking with a grain of salt. A lock company rep once told me that people in other cities think he is insane when he tells them bike thieves around here use angle grinders.
Ride your bicycle everywhere said:
If they REALLY want your bike, they will get it. It is still the best strategy I know of.
James BlackHeron said:I'm not a big fan of the Sheldon Method.
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