An attempt to steal the bicycle in Downtown

From Amber Crain:

Chicagoans... a few months ago my boyfriend's bike was stolen from outside his downtown office in the loop despite being locked with a kryptonite u-lock. He got a new bike, the strongest u-lock available and a chain lock.

Last week, someone attempted to steal his bike again. Below is some video footage. The thief wore a yellow "official looking" public service coat while using an angle grinder with sparks flying. You see where security began questioning him, at which point he attempted to show a security badge, but then fled.

This is a notice to all Chicago bike riders as well as pedestrians. If you see this, say something!!!! This guy is a professional. Please share this post with your Chicago friends. Even if we can't ID him by sharing the post, we can drive awareness that this scenario isn't official - it's theft.

Video 1

Video 2

Video 3

Views: 1196

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ernesto Lube on February 21, 2019 at 6:21am

The guard probably doesn't ride, so he doesn't know how all this works in the Chicago bicycle underworld. Bike thief probably won't think of that either since he's in a hurry to steal a bike. 

I am not going to be carrying around receipts. Does anyone? 

To prove ownership, I take down the serial number, know what parts are on the bike, etc. I make my bikes unique. If stolen, I wish a fast and speedy death to the thief.

If I am not the one rising these, they're stolen. Precautionary measures is that the bikes are in the bike room at home and double locked outside if i know I am going to be eating out/meeting a friend, I make sure the bike is locked and within my sight.

Pink work commuter bike fixed gear mountain bike, locked in building's garage. All others, in the house. In the dedicated bike room. 

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Permalink Reply by Ernesto Lube on February 21, 2019 at 6:26am

Did you read this part?

"Last week, someone attempted to steal his bike again. Below is some video footage. The thief wore a yellow "official looking" public service coat while using an angle grinder with sparks flying. You see where security began questioning him, at which point he attempted to show a security badge, but then fled."

Permalink Reply by Ernesto Lube on February 21, 2019 at 7:37am

Thanks.

in Chicago. 

Permalink Reply by Jim Reho on February 21, 2019 at 11:08am

That scenario is possible, although it would take an exceptionally brazen thief to pull it off.  The idea of bike IDs or licenses isn't bad, if they were voluntary and minimal in price.  One question is, how would you license bikes for which there is no receipt or proof of purchase, like mine?  None of them are stolen, but I've never bothered asking for receipts on inexpensive (but not suspicious) used bikes.  I keep pictures of my bikes on my phone that would show up in Android as having been taken years ago.  I think that would at least help.

Permalink Reply by mike w. on February 21, 2019 at 4:25pm

All this discussion of the benefits of licensing and/or registering your bike to deter theft seems to assume that the cops in this town would even be bothered to care about a property crime enough to pursue it. i've seen bikes at police auctions that clearly have registration stickers on them; nothing was done to check them.

Permalink Reply by mike w. on February 22, 2019 at 6:27am

Too many "maybes."  Uniform registration in a city the size of Chicago would be unworkable because the city's government would need to devote precious resources (Money, personnel, time & space) that they don't have or are disinclined to take from other areas.

Yes, lots of folks "give up biking entirely" for any number of reasons, and we cannot help that. Add to the mix any proposed registration fees, taxation, and maybe a helmet law and i'd predict even more folks wouldn't even bother with cycling.

"Unduly pessimistic?" No, just realistic and perhaps a little world-weary. Bikes get stolen. Cars get stolen. Houses & apartments get burglarised. Beyond taking a report for the victims' insurance claims, the police do sweet F#@k-All about most property crimes unless they get lucky enough to bust a fence.

Best defense against theft? A good lock, vigilance, and a decent insurance policy.

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