Play with fire....

Ok, what has to happen to have cameras installed outside at some of the major CTA train stations where bikes are parked in abundance? I ask because I had my front wheel stolen today at the Logan Square Blue Line station (what a pleasant surprise to arrive to when I get off work... actually, in reality, I wasn't that surprised... shame on me). I probably wouldn't be so pissed if this were a one time thing but it's happened to me at the Damen Blue Line station as well last summer (last summer wasn't just a wheel, it was both wheels, the crank, chainring, and pedals). My roommate had her rear wheel stolen a few weeks back at Logan Square, and today, I knew I was doomed when I saw multiple bikes had been violated before I laid eyes upon my own. 

I know I should have had a cable running through both wheels but a cable/extra U-lock would not have prevented my bike from being completely stripped like it did last year at Damen. The downstairs bike racks at Logan are a nice feature but not when you get there and they are all full. 

Who knows, maybe cameras won't stop everything but if they are there and signs are posted stating their presence, maybe it'll deter these ridiculous criminals a little. Or... if these b@stards are repeat customers to these vulnerable bikes maybe they'll get recognized and eventually busted. 

Sigh... just very frustrated and I know I am not alone. It also pisses me off that this happens in broad daylight in the middle of the day! There are plenty of people who hang outside the train station (Kedzie side by Wrightwood) and I almost slugged this punk who had the audacity to say in a sarcastic manner "where's your wheel bro?" as I dejectedly walked my one wheeled bike past him. He had no wheels or tools around him that I could see so I just kept walking.

But again, I know security/CTA employees won't hang outside nor will cops keep an all day presence at these stations so... why not cameras? It would have to help to some degree, right? I will get that cable or second U-lock with the purchase of a new front wheel but this problem will not stop. It's apparently too easy for these criminals.

I wonder if they ride bikes...

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on August 8, 2012 at 2:00pm

Seems to me buying a cable would be easier than lobbying for the cameras...

Permalink Reply by CjBad on August 8, 2012 at 2:02pm

I hear you and it sounds like you'd be happy to know I am peeved at myself for not having one at the moment, but I'm not asking for just my sake...

Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on August 8, 2012 at 2:04pm
Maybe cta could just invest in a sign that says smile you are on camera, don't steal that bike.
Permalink Reply by CjBad on August 8, 2012 at 2:13pm

I thought of that too Julie, lol. It would at least make the criminals think about it a little first.

Permalink Reply by Vilda on August 8, 2012 at 3:28pm
Ever tryand get a CTA employee to call 911? They don't. They don't want crime reported at CTA stations. And if you has camera's there who would watch 'em? Where would you put the expensive DVR equipment? It would be more likely that u could lobby CPD to put in camera's at stations but playing with red tape between the RTA and CPD would not be fun. If the camera's weren't on CTA property it may be easier. Perhaps contact a PR liason with CPD and say you'd like to spearhead more camera's to protect citizens property at CTA stations?
Permalink Reply by CjBad on August 8, 2012 at 5:16pm

You would think they already have security cameras inside, don't they? I wouldn't expect the employee to watch the video, but having it recorded would sure help in reporting the crime and maybe they'll see some faces, or make note of consistencies in time of day that these crimes occur (my roommate's and both my incidences happened during the day). Even the presence of cameras might make some sort of difference. Julie's recommendation could also help too.

But you make a good point Gabe in maybe not even talking to the CTA, but perhaps the roof of the building right behind over looking that station (it might even see across to the Milwaukee and Kedzie station also).

Maybe nothing will come of this but it's just unfortunate that so many people get their bikes ripped off so easily in one small, specific, heavy trafficked location. You'd probably only have to surveillance that spot for one week to catch some of the f*ckers that do this (I know there'd be more after that but I still think it'd be that easy to catch someone).

Permalink Reply by Vilda on August 9, 2012 at 2:00am

You can more than assume that the 3 dollar an hour security person they hire from Securitas knows at least one thief and he's not gonna report the guy he knows. Those guys are not given many responsibilities other than to protect the station itself. They don't care about your stuff. Even the better paid, Union, CTA employee is usually head down, not tryin to see anything while sitting in the box. I would reiterate that the CPD or, your idea of a neighboring building would get you more results WAY faster.

Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on August 9, 2012 at 2:23am

Buy an extra U-lock -they are much cheaper than wheels -or cameras.    If you don't want to carry it then just leave it at the station.

I walk by the LS station just about every day.  There is always a stripped bike or 4 in the racks.  I wouldn't leave any bike there that I paid more than $42 for.    CTA doesn't care, has never cared, and never will care about your property.   Lock it or lose it.    I wish this wasn't the case but this is the way of the world.  Wish in one hand and take a dump in the other.  Tell me which comes true first.   Hope Springs Eternal.

I'm very sorry for your loss.  Pick up another U-lock when you buy a new wheel.  Live and learn.

Permalink Reply by Barry Aldridge on August 9, 2012 at 3:33am

I know I've seen bike racks at CTA stations that are inside the station, after you go through the turnstiles. While locking-up your bike inside the station would not be entirely secure, it would, I assume, be safer than locking it up on the street. The CTA may not want to do much of this because then they would be implicitly assuming liability for the bikes.

On a related matter - the bike locks people use in Amsterdam put our u-locks and slender cables to shame. They are extremely thick, heavy hardened steel chains with correspondingly indimidating-looking locks.  I'm not advertising this, just using it as an example:  http://funtain.ca/products/chainlock.html

Permalink Reply by Liz on August 9, 2012 at 3:52am

I'm not sure that placing cameras would do much to prevent wheel thefts.  Often the security cameras do not have enough clarity to actually identify a specific person, other than to give a general description.  Most police aren't interested in going on a man hunt for a wheel theft.  

When I rode my bike to the blue line, I took a $75 cruiser and locked it up with a u-lock and cable.  I figured that if that bike was stolen I didn't have much invested in it.  I never parked a bike that meant much to me or had any value at the station. 

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