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.
Tags:
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.
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.
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.
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