Beware: bike theft 

Yesterday I read a thread on local #bikers' #BikeTheft experiences. Many who posted were robbed of accessories like headlight, water bottle & holder, etc while they left their bike parked. Many places had no cctv. There was security staff nearby but they "saw nothing".

Today I read about an #eBike battery being stolen.

Then i remember my bike's vendor telling me how to remove the battery so I can take it with me, that it costs USD180. 😳

Now thinking of precautions... 🤔

Beware: bike theft 

@evelyn my dad had his bike stolen. Cops found it and the person that stole it but they were only 16 so nothing will happen even though it was probably their 30 something year old partner that was the "brains" of the operation. Both druggies. His bike now has a much more robust lock (solid metal, not cable) and a GPS tracker.

Beware: bike theft 

@andkiw
So... Is the type of lock on the right side better than the one on the left? Or are they equally easy to cut?

I'm not considering the U-type locks -- I've heard of #bikes with those locks getting stolen. I suppose any chain thickness can be cut by very intent thieves.

I haven't purchased a #bike lock yet. Couldn't make up my mind.

Beware: bike theft 

@evelyn I'd say both those would be easty to cut with bolt cutters. This is what my dad had:

re: Beware: bike theft 

@andkiw @evelyn it all depends on the size of the bolt cutters. But I’d say if you want it to not be stolen a super thick chain or braided steel cable (think of the ones tying down heavy equipment or logging) and a short run with a heavy duty short lock. That could easily weigh 10lbs though and be expensive.

re: Beware: bike theft 

@jordan @andkiw
I'm finding Master branded bike chains with 6mm diameter thickness labeled Level 7, and 8mm thickness labeled Level 8. I'll keep shopping around.

Not planning on leaving my bike anywhere any time soon, but would be good to be ready with a lock.

re: Beware: bike theft 

@evelyn @andkiw like you said, a thief will get it no matter what if they really wanted it. A lock just keeps an honest man honest. I wouldn’t sweat too much about it unless thief is high in your area and people walk around with bolt cutters.

re: Beware: bike theft 

@jordan @andkiw
Yup. True. If you are a target they'll really get you.

I just wanna give them a hard time and make them sweat thinking it's taking too long to rob my bike and they're probably gonna get caught. 😅

And, of course, I hope they don't succeed.

Beware: bike theft 

How To Lock Your #Bike - Secure Your #Bicycle From Thieves
youtu.be/IXNASUSivqg

At the end of the #video I am reminded: my bike's seat doesn't require tools to remove. 🤔

#NoteToSelf
When leaving the bike...
Take the #battery and the #seat. 😁
Take the little handlebar #bag.
And the #PNJcam. Of course.

Leave the bottle holder bag.
Too much work, too much Velcro.

Can't remove the headlight.
It's integrated, not a standalone unit.
Can't mess with those cables. 🤷‍♀️

Follow

@evelyn
Over here in the worst parts of each state where people have to be concerned about the homeless people's activity- people have to remove the seats and front tires of their bikes to deter bike theft.

Why?
Taking the seat means they would have to peddle without sitting- something most will not want to do. Taking the front wheel keeps it from getting stolen,- which is easier to do than the rear- and makes it less of a target than a bike that can be ridden away.

It's very common for homeless people in the US to have tools on-hand.

@lucifargundam
I thought your homeless normally roam around with carts -- at least that's how they're depicted on TV. Hard to steal a #bike with a cart. 🤔

Here, most #thefts aren't chance* thefts. They're done by professionals*. So yeah, they go around with tools to break locks/chains. Sometimes the method is simple -- the victim parks, gets off the bike, doesn't lock it, turns their back to buy from a store or street vendor. And the thief casually rides off with their bike. 🤦🏻‍♀️

@evelyn
They also wander around with carts. There's a wide variety of types of homeless people. Some sleep behind vending machines, some sleep in cars, tents or boxes. There's homeless people who will do illegal services for a place to stay.

Their mental faculties range from being unable to clean themselves to having the capacity to perform basic job duties including cooking and mechanical repair.

Homeless people in the US usually stay near freeways, railroads and the downtowns of major cities. They're not all mean or bad- but you never know what to expect from them, so it's safer to give them distance.

If you search US homeless encampments on YouTube, it might give some better insight. Some of their operations are pretty sophisticated- while others are barely making it through the day.

Sign in to participate in the conversation
Qoto Mastodon

QOTO: Question Others to Teach Ourselves
An inclusive, Academic Freedom, instance
All cultures welcome.
Hate speech and harassment strictly forbidden.