The Chainlink

Today at the Swap-o-Rama

I noted some bikes that were almost certainly stolen. In some cases I cannot be sure of colors because I am, alas, a little color-blind. Wherever possible, I noted components.

Bianchi Axis with black and gray (?) frame. Saddle also two-toned black and gray (?)

Specialized Tricrross comp, black frame, Shimano Ultegra rear and Shimano 105 front derailleurs.

Scattante Americano--deep blue frame.

Jamis Aurora, what looked to me a pale gray frame, could be the Jamis 'Benzegreen' color, tall frame (at least 58/60 cm), distinctive tan bar tape, black Planet Bike fender set. Shimano Tiagra hubs.

Royal Scots three-speed, men's, black tall frame, knobby tires, no fenders.

Someone was also walking around two bikes, evidently trying to sell them to vendors. One was an SE Draft in a gold color--the newer model without the ridiculous "American' bottom bracket of the original Draft.

Also a tall frame (60/62) older Miyata Road bike in black. 

Some of these will probably still be there tomorrow, in case anyone recognizes his or her bike. Sorry I don't have pictures.

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Permalink Reply by h' Zerocats on June 1, 2010 at 12:47pm
Agree with police as a first step.
See if there are any around as calling 911 might result in a 45 minute to never response time.
Have a copy of the police report and any other possible documentation on you.
Try to get the police there before you show your hand that you believe it's your bike.
Dr. Doom, please remember that most of us are not adept enough at physical aggression to jump in with a move like putting your own U-lock on the bike or trying to take it forcefully. Definitely not worth someone getting injured over.

Dr. Doom said:
Assuming you've filed a police report, if you see your bike call the police immediately and try to get a photo of the vendor. If you think you can get away with it, ask to check out the bike and then u-lock it to something while waiting for the cops to show up, politely explaining that it's your bike and that the cops are on the way. If not, just stall for time while waiting for the cops. Under no circumstances should you pepper spray anyone.
Permalink Reply by T.C. O'Rourke on June 1, 2010 at 12:59pm
Dr. Doom said:
Under no circumstances should you pepper spray anyone.

I'm out.

Just kidding...
Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on June 1, 2010 at 1:12pm
T.C. O'Rourke said:
Dr. Doom said:
Under no circumstances should you pepper spray anyone.

I'm out.

Just kidding...

How about Tasers?
Permalink Reply by Moc Artsy on June 1, 2010 at 10:08pm
The security staff at the Swap are Chicago Police. I think there are only two of them. They wear little medallion badges around their necks and are presumably at the level of competence that would get them assigned to the Swap-o-Rama. You might have to go inside and ask management to have them called, but you won't need to call 911 and wait. I think it is advisable to find your bike first without talking to the vendor. Make sure it is yours. Have a friend or another Chainlinker keep the vendor in view while you go to find security, so that the vendor cannot load your bike back into his van or truck or have someone take it off the lot. Cameras would document this if it happens. Bring whatever receipts, serial number or photos of your bike you might have that will serve as evidence that it is yours. Explain everything to the cops and have them confront the vendor. My experiences there have without exception taught me that it is a big mistake to confront a vendor yourself. These guys are not stupid and they are as slippery as eels. They will piss you off and you will run off to get security and when you come back to the site with security there will be no trace of them, as if they vanished with all their wares in a puff of smoke. A word to the wise guys and gals.
Permalink Reply by h' Zerocats on June 1, 2010 at 10:53pm
Good info, agree +++

I started a group once before to tackle this problem more long term but got frustrated that there wasn't much interest and deleted it. Will try again now that there's more momentum. Admin priveleges to anyone who wants them.


Join!!

http://www.thechainlink.org/group/chainlinkbikethefttaskforce

Moc Artsy said:
The security staff at the Swap are Chicago Police. I think there are only two of them. They wear little medallion badges around their necks and are presumably at the level of competence that would get them assigned to the Swap-o-Rama. You might have to go inside and ask management to have them called, but you won't need to call 911 and wait. I think it is advisable to find your bike first without talking to the vendor. Make sure it is yours. Have a friend or another Chainlinker keep the vendor in view while you go to find security, so that the vendor cannot load your bike back into his van or truck or have someone take it off the lot. Cameras would document this if it happens. Bring whatever receipts, serial number or photos of your bike you might have that will serve as evidence that it is yours. Explain everything to the cops and have them confront the vendor. My experiences there have without exception taught me that it is a big mistake to confront a vendor yourself. These guys are not stupid and they are as slippery as eels. They will piss you off and you will run off to get security and when you come back to the site with security there will be no trace of them, as if they vanished with all their wares in a puff of smoke. A word to the wise guys and gals.

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