What is up with the supposed rash of bike thefts? Is this out of control or what? I have never been a victim and now that I've said that...but seriously who's stuff is getting stolen and where?

One of my friends got her third bike stolen. No she didn't lock it up wrong. Either a bolt cutter or power grinder through the center of the u-lock on Western and Wilson in the evening. Then, three days later, had another bike stolen the same way in Logan Square. I have many mechanic friends that have related similar stores about both bikes and bike parts (i.e. forks, handle bars, crank sets, etc.) that have been getting ripped off. What's the deal? How do you prevent it? Is there some kind of major bike thief rings operating in the recession for what I would assume is a very small profit margin?

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Permalink Reply by Eric R on September 14, 2009 at 2:52pm
There was a rash of bike thefts early this morning (between midnight and 6 am on 9/14) on Augusta between Hoyne and Damen. I saw the aftermath of at least four bikes that got violated:
> My roommate's new Schwinn Cutter- they got the rear wheel, pedals (probably worth... $0!), saddle, seat post and one brake pad(?). He just brought the bike home 2 days ago!;
> The saddle of someone's bike that lives in my building;
> Two other bikes down the road are missing wheels, saddles, and seatposts.

I, fortunately, have two Kryptonite u-locks on my two bikes with a black gated fence between them. I am now hoping they don't come back with more tools! Bringing my bikes inside is a HUGE pain since I live on the third floor, but it will probably seem like a great idea in hindsight if they get stolen.
Permalink Reply by Eric R on February 24, 2010 at 6:12am
While riding west on Augusta today at 9:00am I spotted a shopping cart with 10 or so bicycle wheels with tires in it (and a bunch of other random stuff) at the corner of Augusta and Leavitt. I was running late so I could not stop and take a picture. Just an FYI to those with a bike not double locked in that area.
Permalink Reply by Jessica on February 24, 2010 at 6:36am
Most good Ulocks can hardly be cut with a 4 foot bolt cutter. Or maybe I'm just a sissy and can't get a good grip on the damn thing... it's about as big as I am. Ha.

Grinders are much more inconspicuous than a huge set of bolt cutters. =)
Permalink Reply by Amber K on February 24, 2010 at 8:03am
I think I saw the same guy around 5:30p Monday eve on Oakley near maybe Iowa. He had a bunch of wheels hanging from his shopping cart. I turned to look back at him and he was staring right at me.

Eric Roach said:
While riding west on Augusta today at 9:00am I spotted a shopping cart with 10 or so bicycle wheels with tires in it (and a bunch of other random stuff) at the corner of Augusta and Leavitt. I was running late so I could not stop and take a picture. Just an FYI to those with a bike not double locked in that area.
Permalink Reply by igz on February 24, 2010 at 9:55am
its the west town bike boogie man. its been a long standing myth, but the recent sightings confirm his existence. and i hear he smells much like the sasquatch.

Amber K said:
I think I saw the same guy around 5:30p Monday eve on Oakley near maybe Iowa. He had a bunch of wheels hanging from his shopping cart. I turned to look back at him and he was staring right at me.

Eric Roach said:
While riding west on Augusta today at 9:00am I spotted a shopping cart with 10 or so bicycle wheels with tires in it (and a bunch of other random stuff) at the corner of Augusta and Leavitt. I was running late so I could not stop and take a picture. Just an FYI to those with a bike not double locked in that area.
Permalink Reply by Eric R on February 24, 2010 at 12:45pm
Nice. A good story to scare kids..."If you don't lock up your wheels at night the West Town Boogie Man will steal them!"

iggi said:
its the west town bike boogie man. its been a long standing myth, but the recent sightings confirm his existence. and i hear he smells much like the sasquatch.

Amber K said:
I think I saw the same guy around 5:30p Monday eve on Oakley near maybe Iowa. He had a bunch of wheels hanging from his shopping cart. I turned to look back at him and he was staring right at me.

Eric Roach said:
While riding west on Augusta today at 9:00am I spotted a shopping cart with 10 or so bicycle wheels with tires in it (and a bunch of other random stuff) at the corner of Augusta and Leavitt. I was running late so I could not stop and take a picture. Just an FYI to those with a bike not double locked in that area.
Permalink Reply by Amber K on February 25, 2010 at 5:39am
It's true! I saw the boogie man again. He was sleeping on the sidewalk on Hubbard near Hoyne yesterday around 5:30p.

Eric Roach said:
Nice. A good story to scare kids..."If you don't lock up your wheels at night the West Town Boogie Man will steal them!"

iggi said:
its the west town bike boogie man. its been a long standing myth, but the recent sightings confirm his existence. and i hear he smells much like the sasquatch.

Amber K said:
I think I saw the same guy around 5:30p Monday eve on Oakley near maybe Iowa. He had a bunch of wheels hanging from his shopping cart. I turned to look back at him and he was staring right at me.

Eric Roach said:
While riding west on Augusta today at 9:00am I spotted a shopping cart with 10 or so bicycle wheels with tires in it (and a bunch of other random stuff) at the corner of Augusta and Leavitt. I was running late so I could not stop and take a picture. Just an FYI to those with a bike not double locked in that area.

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