Advocacy & Safety - A failed theft

My employer provides a very nice bike rack next to our employee fitness center. It's recessed into the building so the bikes are out of the weather, and it's got a security camera pointing at it. Regardless, I asked the security folks about theft problems before I started bike commuting and their advice was to make sure the saddle was locked up tight, since a few had been stolen.

Today I was very glad I took that advice. I've been using two locks (u-lock around the rear wheel, frame, and rack, cable lock around the front wheel, saddle, and rack), and when I went out after work I found the seat post completely removed from the seat tube, with the cable lock still strung through it. Why they went for my bike instead of the half-dozen others that were secured much less than mine is unknown. I do come in rather early, however, so perhaps it was still the sole candidate when the prospective thief stopped by.

While I'm sure the cable would not stop a serious thief, it certainly did a fine job of protecting the bike from someone who may have wanted to steal something just for the hell of it. Of course, now I'm thinking about picking up one of the quick release locks I saw online the other day...

Did you ask the security guards to review the videotape of the bike rack? Maybe you'll be able to recognize the would-be thief.

Did you ask the security guards to review the videotape of the bike rack? Maybe you'll be able to recognize the would-be thief.

I did not do that right away, as I was running behind schedule, but I plan on stopping by the security desk in the morning to see what might be done. I'm also thinking they might want to make the security camera a bit more obvious. Perhaps a sign saying "area under 24-hour surveillance" or something would help.

I did not do that right away, as I was running behind schedule, but I plan on stopping by the security desk in the morning to see what might be done. I'm also thinking they might want to make the security camera a bit more obvious. Perhaps a sign saying "area under 24-hour surveillance" or something would help.

How about, "THERE IS A SNIPER ON THE ROOF OF THE BUILDING BEHIND YOU."

It sounds to me like they were going for your seatpost, maybe they got that out and were about to take the seat off and got scared away.

I talked to the security folks today. As soon as I mentioned the incident, they said they saw someone messing with the bike that afternoon. They headed over there and stopped the theft in progress. Part of it was a bit confusing ("a long story", according to one of the guards), but it sounded like the scumball tried to spin a tale like it was his bike or something; I really was unclear on it. In any case, the head of security said "we scared the hell out of him," but he apparently wasn't detained. The police were alerted, and an incident report was filed (whatever that does). It was nice to hear that they actually do watch the camera, and I was grateful for their intervention. They didn't know whose bike it was until I reported the problem this morning. I think I may put some kind of identification on the frame.

Make sure you thank the guards and tell them that what they did was really appreciated. Most guards won't give a damn.

Yes, I will be crafting a very nice thank you message for the head of security in the morning.

At my building, most of the bike racks are under video surveillance, but that hasn't prevented bikes from ocassionally being stolen. There was one theft about two years ago where the security guard actually watched the theft occur, but remained at the security station, because he wasn't supposed to leave the station unattended.

Instead of putting up signs that say "Bike Thiefs: This Area Under Video Surveillance", they chose to put up signs that say something like "Warning, Bikes are Being Stolen From This Area, Park at Your Own Risk". IMO, the former would probably do more to deter theft than the latter, which may actually have the opposite effect.

Edit - I checked on my way out, the actual signs read "Bikes are Being Stolen From This Area, Report Suspicious Activity to Security". Still not as good as "This Area Under Video Surveillance", IMO.

Man I feel lucky. At my work we park inside a secure courtyard which is guarded by armed guards who log everyones bike in and out. You also need a pass to enter. Only one nutter, who has the crappist bike, bothers to lock their bike up.

The ONE day I forgot my tool kit I got a flat. I had to take my front wheel to the LBS for a new tube and pump up. Many of my collegues were rather concerned and kept on telling me all day that my front wheel was missing! I feel my bike is very safe at work. Safer than in my garage.

A thank you note for sure to the guards supervisors, but a pizza for the guards might be a nice gesture.