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My number one desire would be to be able to color-code the gmap view balloons either by lock type or by age of theft, in order to show trends--and also to be able to filter by same. Let's say you wanted to get a sting operation going- the map view would be the best way to see where the hottest spots are, but you'd really want to be able to view only the last 3 or 6 months. You might also want to look at the map in different time windows (e.g. 0-6 months old, 6-12 months old, 12-24 months old) to spot trends.
Also we've recently had a number of requests to output thefts by police beat or district for people to take to their beat meetings to ask for attention.
I think a few pull down menus on the home page that allow us to search the database by type, make, model, year/era, neighborhoods and not only by keyword or zip code.
I'm not sure how you would execute these ideas, without cluttering the site... but I think a little more info for the "lister," might help those of us involved in recovery. For example:
Why do we ask for your phone number? Because WE WILL CALL YOU if we find your bike. Moreover, YOU NEED TO BE ON ALERT/STANDBY. ANSWER YOUR PHONE! This is especially important for those who have not provided us with a serial number - when we find your bike, you will need to be available to identify your bike personally. Not being able to reach someone or reaching them too late can be the difference between "finding" a bike listed on the CSBR and "recovering" it.
When your bike is stolen, file a report ASAP with the CPD (and keep your copy on hand)! It provides evidence that your bike was reported stolen. For those without serial numbers, it may help you create a history of ownership.
If you do not have a serial number, you should amass as much information on your bike as possible (photos of bike, of you on bike, receipts, service info, the guide that came with your bike, the reflector that broke off and left a piece on the bike, the light/computer for the mount that may/may not still be on your bike, etc. etc.). You might also print out your CSBR listing and/or make up a "stolen bike flyer" with photos, etc. - which aren't proof of ownership, but if it works, lucky you! In sum, while nothing can replace having a serial number, these things might help sway your case should your bike be found and we need you to come identify your bike personally.
For the description of your bike on the CSBR, do a visual survey of your bike from pedals to bars. Do not assume that people know what "stock" means or that your bike has been stripped. People often forget the obvious (handlebar type/color, toe clips, pedals, #speeds, breaks, shifter type, cage, water bottle, rack, kickstand) and the less obvious (remaining mounts, including lock mount, stickers, store i.d., scrapes, tears, sticky gears, etc.). Too general a description makes it harder for us to identify.
As far as searching the registry, yes, more filtering options. That said, when you find a bike, you sometimes need to back it up and go broader when you don't find the "specific" bike. Last weekend I had the experience of searching "Schwinn," "Shwinn," "green cruiser," "green Schwinn," etc. That's often because people don't know the make, model, or type of bike they have, and of course, there are spelling mistakes!
Also, I don't always understand the "date" system and the order in which bikes are listed (when you scroll from top to bottom). Seems that when people make editorial changes, things switch around - but, I can't be sure. I need to look more closely at that.
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