The Chainlink

Stolen Giant Transend EX 2008

The Bicycle

Make: Giant

Model: Transend EX 2008

Color: Black

Serial # C18F4439

Distinguishing characteristics: Bumper sticker on black rear rack reads "I brew the beer I drink."  Bell on front handle bars from New Belgium Brewery.  Black, full-coverage fenders on front and rear.  Silver, plastic chain guard is missing from original model, but metal fixture that would attach it to the chainstay remains.

 

My Contact Information

Name: Drew Williams-Clark

Cell phone: 312.450.4119

Work phone: 312.386.8770

 

The Incident

I met a friend downtown yesterday morning and rode with him to the Illini Center (200 S. Wacker Dr.).  We both parked on the bicycle rack that is to the south of the building on the sidewalk leading to the river.  We parked around 8:40am (give or take 10 minutes).  We always park there when it rains, because the building provides coverage.  I locked my bicycle with a combination U-lock through the front wheel, frame and rack.  In addition, I used a 15mm Abus cable lock through the rear wheel and frame.  When I returned to the same rack at approximately 3:45 pm (give or take 10 minutes), I found the bike and locks gone.

 

I have filed a police report.  The report number is HT517048.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by h' Zerocats on September 28, 2011 at 1:00pm

Based on the details of the theft I think this one has some chance of turning up at Swap-O-Rama, 41st and Ashland.

Open Thursday, Saturday, Sunday.

I've heard Thursday described as "Bike Day" by one of the regular vendors, but there has not been consistent evidence that it's a better day  to go than Saturday or Sunday.

Permalink Reply by DRU Williams-Clark on September 28, 2011 at 2:08pm
I just requested you as a friend.  Can you send me a private message with any details as to why you think the bike might show up at SOR?

Wave Wednesday said:

Based on the details of the theft I think this one has some chance of turning up at Swap-O-Rama, 41st and Ashland.

Open Thursday, Saturday, Sunday.

I've heard Thursday described as "Bike Day" by one of the regular vendors, but there has not been consistent evidence that it's a better day  to go than Saturday or Sunday.

Permalink Reply by S.Presley☠ on September 28, 2011 at 2:40pm

Was it here?

The more of these I read, The more I think there is no safe place in the city.

Permalink Reply by h' Zerocats on September 28, 2011 at 2:53pm

You can e-mail me at info (at) stolenbike.org.

I routed all my chainlink notifications to a folder on the server of my e-mail service and have been missing a lot of messages lately . . . (thought that would automatically create a folder on my home browser via IMAP but apparently I have no understanding . . .)

Considering the above image-- any chance of security footage?

Permalink Reply by DRU Williams-Clark on September 28, 2011 at 4:35pm

Funny y'all should ask.  YES that's exactly where it was stolen from and YES I do have video footage.  I have a video clip of the act taking place.  The director of security at the building EMAILED me a video clip. His name is Daniel Schuetz and he's an avid cyclist.  I wasn't sure if I should upload the clip or not.

It happened at 1:05 pm on the 27th (yesterday) and took less than 30 seconds.  The thief was wearing a grey/cream-and-red hooded sweatshirt with a dark messenger bag.  

Permalink Reply by S.Presley☠ on September 28, 2011 at 10:28pm
I don't see how it could hurt to post it and then embed it here...maybe someone will see him...maybe someone has seen him before.
Permalink Reply by Adam "Cezar" Jenkins on September 28, 2011 at 10:31pm
Was it a grinder?
Permalink Reply by h' Zerocats on September 29, 2011 at 12:49am

I've asked Drew to upload to Youtube so it can be embedded here.

The perp has a hood on and there's absolutely no view of his face throughout the vid.

If anyone remembers the thread where the gal came upon a guy in the process of cutting 2 U-locks at Chicago and Damen, this perp resembles that guy in general size and shape (I've looked for that thread more than once-- appears to be gone.)

~ 20 seconds to cut a U-lock. The tool is not visible due to the camera angle (nor are sparks) but it can only be a grinder. He takes out a tool from his bag (guessing the grinder again) and cuts the cable lock in a few seconds.  Then rides off on the bike.

 

The recording is stop action so it's hard to tell if he purposely didn't look towards the camera, or if it just didn't get caught.

Permalink Reply by S.Presley☠ on September 29, 2011 at 5:00pm

I was going by the "crime scene" today (12:30pm), so I stopped by and took a look. There was a Security Guard walking around the parameter when I got there, so I talked to him about bikes getting stolen from those racks. He said that he had just got back from vacation and was unaware of any bikes stolen from those exact racks. I asked if it was common and he said it wasn't, but I wonder how many people actually make a report or tell officials.

The thief has to know the area, because even though I spotted the camera right away, it looks like a security post within view of that rack.

Permalink Reply by Jason W on September 29, 2011 at 5:25pm
Man, U lock and cable, right in front of a security cam? Clearly the theives have no fear. Why should they? There is almost no enforcement. Which reminds me... Saw a nice bike that got the rear wheel lifted right at Clark and Jackson yesterday. Right next to mine... :(
Permalink Reply by Debra J on September 29, 2011 at 6:32pm
Sorry that happened to you, DRU.  I just have to say I can sympathize.  I had a bike stolen in broad daylight from my office building downtown, Madison and Wells.  It was a real bummer, as I have been biking for 15 years and this was only my second new bike and the first time I had even spent more than like 300 bucks on a bike.  It was a road bike - not expensive as far as road bikes go (the second cheapest new one in the brand that I bought), but pricey for cheapskate me.  I only had it 6 weeks and it was locked up on a rack supplied by my building, with camaras surrounding it.  I couldn't believe the amount of "blame the victim" flack I got from so many people (including building mgmt) - like "what were you thinking" and, my favorite..."were you sure that you locked it?"  Well hell yeah I locked it properly and I had additional wheel locks, too.  I can't believe how many people tried to tell me that I didn't lock it.  Luckily my homeowners insurance covered it and I got a new bike within a week.  But now I only ride it or keep it locked up in my building at home with $three sets of locks on it, and I ride an old mountainbike or 80s ten speed anytime I want to communute, do errands, or stop somewhere that requires locking up a bike. I feel like ya can't have a "nice" bike (basically a bike worth more than 100 bucks) locked up in the city anywhere.  Your video just goes to show that people will take anything they can get their hands on, and pretty easily, too.  
Permalink Reply by S.Presley☠ on September 29, 2011 at 11:02pm

I think I'm pissed because this is a high visibility area and it makes me think that...

if this guy can do it here, I can not park my bike anywhere in the city planet.

A  couple seconds later the security guard? walks around the corner.

 

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