We're Better Than This - Another "Prank" Video, Hurting Would-Be Thieves

So many of us have had our bike stolen over the years. Mine was back in 2001 and I still miss my Cannondale rigid MTB (matte purple). It was an awesome bike. Yes, I do hope bike thieves that cut locks, break into garages and basements, etc. and steal bikes are caught and prosecuted. That said, I don't believe the physical violence of the laughing "bros" in this video is the answer. This isn't punishing the thieves that cut through locks and racks to steal bikes. 

So I had a thought - could there be a need for a program to help people who need the transportation but don't have the money? Maybe they can work on bikes to "earn a bike" with helmet, lock, etc.? I think there is an opportunity, in addition to the Divvy program, to help people ride a bike. I think as a bike community, we are better than the guys in the video. Bikes can give people a leg up with dignity and we all know how good it feels to feel empowered by riding a bike. 

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Permalink Reply by Yasmeen on March 16, 2016 at 9:40am

Agreed. I don't think the people in the video are typical bike thieves. I could be naive in thinking that. But it made me think there are probably people that could benefit from having a bike but might not be able to afford it. 

Permalink Reply by Jim Reho on March 17, 2016 at 6:34am

In a way, I do think these are typical bike thieves.  I agree with David P.  They are typical thieves of opportunity.  If you leave a bike unsecured in Chicago, someone will eventually come along and take it, sooner or later, depending on the location and circumstances.  Agreeing with Jennifer, I think the most stolen bikes are just sold by the thieves.  I don't think the bike thieves of Chicago are just lads who always wanted a bike of their own, but could never have one.  

That being said, I know there are plenty of people who would really like and could really use bikes who aren't stealing them.  For these people, a program as described by Yasmeen would be great.  Sort of a Working Bikes for local people (although maybe they already have that at Working Bikes).  Also, as individuals we can help, too.  I'm always on the lookout for bikes at garage and estate sales that need a little work, but are fundamentally sound.  (You don't see as many of those as in the old days.)  I pick them up cheap, fix them up, and get them to people who need bikes but don't have much money.  I always know some.  My retired dad in Ohio does the same thing, just for fun.  I do try to recover my costs, although somehow I always go above my estimate and end up kicking in a little.  The world is made better one microscopic step at a time.  

  

Permalink Reply by David P. on March 17, 2016 at 5:54am

The impression I got, both from this video and from the previous one that involved electric shocks, was that these were thefts of opportunity. Roughly, someone was walking along and saw a bike just sitting there and decided to steal it. While the 'prank' is really juvenile, I admit that I still find it funny. They did try to steal the bike, and they were not hurt. I do see a race/class aspect to it that bothers me, though.

Permalink Reply by Steve G on March 17, 2016 at 7:21am

These guys are total d*cks, and what they're doing is wrong. I think the thread should be about that. These  are stupid people entrapping other stupid people and then exacting revenge, and possibly causing injury. The videos don't expose or illustrate a need for bikes for people who can't afford them, and aren't even about cycling. What the videos illustrate is immature violent behavior, and that the "pranksters" have underdeveloped frontal lobes. Well, developed enough to understand how to try and make money from there "work".

That's my $.02

Permalink Reply by Juan 2-3 or more mi. on March 18, 2016 at 6:30am

The initial impression I got was that these knuckle heads were developing cruel and unusual bicycle theft prevention devices to satisfy their vices.

First they came up with dope on a rope but then one got away with the bike. Then the electro shocking discovery bike came along. Now the bros have the jag with the bag device.

Certainly I might come across more of these vengeful videos, as they get posted on social media.

Not sure if these bros or the crooks can change their ways or be helped.

Permalink Reply by Juan 2-3 or more mi. on March 18, 2016 at 10:03am
Permalink Reply by Irvin Steinert on March 20, 2016 at 8:32am

The impression I get from these videos is that they are fake. Or at least as real as reality TV. Most likely contrived and the "victims" are aware of something and most likely getting paid as an actor. What these people do (or pretend to do) is set a "booby trap". If such a thing were to seriously harm someone, the prankster would be looking at serious legal repercussions and possibly some hard time in a real prison. If the "victim" is aware and "compensated" then no crime is committed.

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