The Chainlink

What happens to stolen bikes?

My heart goes out to all those who have posted about stolen bikes and they raise this question: What happens to stolen bikes? Are they resold locally? On craigslist? Taken out of town? Broken down for parts? Repainted? Are these crimes of opportunity of one person or do multiple thieves scour the city for bikes? Are some bikes more prone to theft than others? Knowing the answers could help us attack the problem from the other side of the equation. 

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Permalink Reply by h' Zerocats on December 23, 2011 at 4:33pm

Seems to depend on the neighborhood more than anything. There are exceptions but most of it happens in places with lots of street life. Offhand I'd say Milwaukee between Western and Kedzie accounts for a good percentage of such reports we've received. 

Jared said:

How often are street sign poles removed to steal bikes?

Permalink Reply by Gary on December 23, 2011 at 4:43pm
Sorry about my mis-print, my policy is $125.00/yr, not month. I do lock my bike and do my best to keep track of my camera gear when I'm shooting. Unfortunately thieves are part of life. My personal choice is to purchase insurance so that if my bike or gear is stolen I am covered. I do not expect anything to be stolen but if it happens once in my lifetime, i wont be stuck with the loss. I have owned my bike for less than a year so I'm new to the bike scene. I have really enjoyed the group bike rides. Most of my friends I shoot photos with also have theft insurance on their camera gear.
Permalink Reply by h' Zerocats on December 23, 2011 at 8:53pm

Gary, just another vote to carry a U-lock. Cable locks are worthless. I understand that you feel that you're covered personally, but making life easy for bike thieves hurts the rest of us.

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