Folding Bikes - (#&Q#$%*W#%^@# Bike Thieves!!!!

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View Full Version : (#&Q#$%*W#%^@# Bike Thieves!!!!


nekohime
01-16-09, 05:08 PM
My Dahon Piccolo bike was stolen from where I locked it outside my house. This is in the West Covina, SoCal area. I am so ****ing upset because it is my method of transportation!!!:mad::mad::mad:

I HATE BIKE THIEVES!!!!:mad::mad::mad::cry:


wahoonc
01-16-09, 05:27 PM
Was the folder locked up inside a structure or outside where it was visible? The main reason I want a folder is so it can stay inside where I can see it.

Aaron:)

PDR
01-16-09, 05:28 PM
I am very sorry to hear about your bike being stolen.

I don’t wish to sound cruel but I’m sure that I’m not the only one thinking “it is a folding bike so why didn’t you take it indoors with you?

Hope it turns up again soon.


bykerouac
01-16-09, 05:32 PM
No lectures here - and I am commiserating with your loss. Karma will catch with those thieves eventually.

edwong3
01-16-09, 05:47 PM
Nekohime, I was just thinking of you earlier today, and wondered why you had not posted here for quite a while. I'm so sorry that you had to do so under these circumstances.:( You still have the Kent, don't you?

Did you report this to the police? I know that you have photos of the bike because you posted those a few weeks ago on the forum. A bike like the Piccolo is very noticeable, and unless the thief is taking it away over 50-100 miles or more from your location, it shouldn't be too hard to spot at some point in time.

May you recover your Piccolo safe and sound.:)

Regards,
Edward



My Dahon Piccolo bike was stolen from where I locked it outside my house. This is in the West Covina, SoCal area. I am so ****ing upset because it is my method of transportation!!!:mad::mad::mad:

I HATE BIKE THIEVES!!!!:mad::mad::mad::cry:

james_swift
01-16-09, 05:48 PM
Reminds me of the time I left my then-Specialized MTB out on the patio of my ex-wife's apartment for 15 minutes, only to have it stolen.

2 weeks later while on the bus, I see some guy on my stolen bike whiz by.

Theft sucks, but karma rules.

nekohime
01-16-09, 06:10 PM
Nekohime, I was just thinking of you earlier today, and wondered why you had not posted here for quite a while. I'm so sorry that you had to do so under these circumstances.:( You still have the Kent, don't you?

Did you report this to the police? I know that you have photos of the bike because you posted those a few weeks ago on the forum. A bike like the Piccolo is very noticeable, and unless the thief is taking it away over 50-100 miles or more from your location, it shouldn't be too hard to spot at some point in time.

May you recover your Piccolo safe and sound.:)

Regards,
Edward

I did file a police report, but of course, they won't do much (if anything at all) about it because it is "just a bike." I am printing up some fliers advertising a reward for it's return though. Small reward, but I just want my bike back.

I did put it outside, but that's because wet bike + wood floors = fail. Well, that teaches me; next time I'm getting a kryptonite lock and/or locking it in a less visible place. :(:mad::cry:

InfiniteRegress
01-16-09, 07:03 PM
I am so sorry to learn about your loss. I know how attached I am to my Dahon and I would be devastated if it was stolen. I just hoping for some seriously BAD karma for the idiot who stole it.

ignant666
01-16-09, 07:08 PM
Sorry for your loss.
Since I live in NYC & have had so many bikes stolen, my Swift lives at the foot of my bed. I too have wood floors; to preserve harmony with SWMBO, the floor is protected by a vinyl mat like this (http://www.amazon.com/Low-Pile-Carpet-Protector-27/dp/B000MRLC6M/ref=pd_sbs_op_2) (check your local hardware store).

brakemeister
01-16-09, 07:09 PM
call me and I make you a special deal on a curve d 3
( Monday ..lol )

thor

jur
01-16-09, 07:33 PM
Sorry to hear this. :( :mad: I hope you can get going again soon.

Foldable Two
01-16-09, 09:29 PM
Living down here in Ventura, CA for the next 2-3 yrs - that's 70 miles North of Downtown LA and about 100 miles from W. Covina - We watch our bikes like hawks, and I lock-up my cruiser just to go into the store to buy a paper in the morning. My GG Green NWT is just too obvious in this "beachie" environment -the Matte Black cruiser is "normal".

Sorry to hear about the loss. I guess in this economic environment bikes are becoming an even more valuable commodity.

crackerdog
01-16-09, 09:38 PM
Post your flyer here so we can watch craigslist in our local areas for you. Burn thieves!

makeinu
01-16-09, 09:55 PM
I did put it outside, but that's because wet bike + wood floors = fail. Well, that teaches me; next time I'm getting a kryptonite lock and/or locking it in a less visible place. :(:mad::cry:

Or a towel, which would be lighter, cheaper, and just as quick as locking...though somehow I feel your problem is more than just the wet, but the inconvenience of the bike itself. If that's the case then you might consider a more convenient bike:
http://www.pacific-cycles.com/UserFiles/Image/Product/carryme%20std%20300.jpg
They're in the same price range as Downtubes (if you get one on sale) and much better quality.

nekohime
01-16-09, 10:21 PM
Here's the flier...I'm in the process of printing a whole boatload of them and teh bf, my brother, my sister and I will go out to flier the heck out of the neighborhood once it's done.

http://socalfolderride.freehostia.com/dahonpiccoloflier.pdf

Speedo
01-16-09, 10:36 PM
Bummer. I hope you get it back.

Speedo

KitN
01-17-09, 12:40 AM
Literally the day after Christmas (12/28/08) someone stole my folder that was properly locked to a bike rack along with other bikes in a very busy place in broad daylight! I was devastated so I know how you feel. I'm really sorry for your loss. :(

I really hope the scumbags that stole your bike (and mine) gets what's coming to him! B@$t@rd thieves!! :deadhorse:

EM42
01-17-09, 10:42 AM
Sorry to hear about your loss. i had several bikes stolen from my garage before but i was lucky to recover them. A bicycle store[selling used bikes] near my home had them for sale the next week and i called the police to get them back.

the flyer is a good start as more likely its someone from your neighborhood that had seen the bike got an interest on it.

was that a metallic gold color?

EvilV
01-17-09, 11:04 AM
Or a towel, which would be lighter, cheaper, and just as quick as locking...though somehow I feel your problem is more than just the wet.

Yeah - I use an off cut of carpet that was spare when I had the stairs done. I just put the wet bike on that strip of carpet (about 3'6" X 1') and it takes the drips and not the floor.

Sorry to hear the hyenas have been around and taken nekohime's tasty morsel. Hopefully, whoever did it will ride under a truck and be crushed and mangled and then dragged to death for a mile or two. :eek:


I should avoid coffee drinking. It brings out my dark and vengeful side.

nekohime
01-17-09, 11:26 AM
Sorry to hear about your loss. i had several bikes stolen from my garage before but i was lucky to recover them. A bicycle store[selling used bikes] near my home had them for sale the next week and i called the police to get them back.

the flyer is a good start as more likely its someone from your neighborhood that had seen the bike got an interest on it.

was that a metallic gold color?

Yep, metallic gold/brown.

-=(8)=-
01-17-09, 12:06 PM
This sux Neko....I guess this dispells the notion that thieves wont take folders.
I hope you get it back. Check pawn shops and CRAIGSLIST too......It might end
up there. I dont think someone who took such a recognizable bike will ride it
locally. When you get it back, ask the local carpet house to sell you a remnant
for 2 or 3 dollars so you can keep it inside.

kamtsa
01-17-09, 12:59 PM
My Dahon Piccolo bike was stolen from where I locked it outside my house. This is in the West Covina, SoCal area. I am so ****ing upset because it is my method of transportation!!!:mad::mad::mad:

I HATE BIKE THIEVES!!!!:mad::mad::mad::cry:

Sorry for your loss.

It reminds me this classic movie (available on Netflix):

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_Thieves

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040522/

Kam

vik
01-17-09, 02:41 PM
Sorry to hear about your bike getting stolen. I bought a 6' section of waterproof carpet that I place my wet Tikit on when I get home. I never carry a lock with me so I don't have the option of locking it up. I just keep it with me.

I hope you get it back, but if not figure out a way to bring it inside that won't damage your flooring. There no lock made that will deter a determined and skilled thief - especially if he has multiple opportunities to steal your bike and can bring the correct tools and choose his time.

mjw
01-17-09, 03:32 PM
What kind of lock were you using? I've been looking for statistics on what percentage of bikes stolen are unlocked, locked with u-locks, or locked with cable locks. It seems like most "my bike was stolen" posts on this forum and craigslist don't specify.

v6v6v6
01-17-09, 03:54 PM
Aww man, that really, really sux. :( I know it's your primary mode of transportation (60+ miles via train and bike through the urban jungle!) and you just got that Piccolo, too! Did they steal your backpack?

My wife says you're welcome to borrow her Vitesse while you find another ride. Give me a call if you're interested!

nekohime
01-17-09, 06:12 PM
What kind of lock were you using? I've been looking for statistics on what percentage of bikes stolen are unlocked, locked with u-locks, or locked with cable locks. It seems like most "my bike was stolen" posts on this forum and craigslist don't specify.

Cable lock, locked through frame, rear wheel and cast iron bench.

V6, thanks for the offer! I hope I won't have to take you up on it, but if my bike isn't returned by next Thurs, I will prolly borrow it until the homeowner's insurance pays up or my scholarship funds come in. In the meantime, the Kent will get a dusting off and a trip to the bike shop to see if they can fix the shifter.

msincredible
01-17-09, 09:35 PM
Sorry to hear that nekohime. :mad:

folder fanatic
01-18-09, 12:33 PM
My Dahon Piccolo bike was stolen from where I locked it outside my house. This is in the West Covina, SoCal area. I am so ****ing upset because it is my method of transportation!!!:mad::mad::mad:

I HATE BIKE THIEVES!!!!:mad::mad::mad::cry:



I did file a police report, but of course, they won't do much (if anything at all) about it because it is "just a bike." I am printing up some fliers advertising a reward for it's return though. Small reward, but I just want my bike back.

I did put it outside, but that's because wet bike + wood floors = fail. Well, that teaches me; next time I'm getting a kryptonite lock and/or locking it in a less visible place. :(:mad::cry:



Living down here in Ventura, CA for the next 2-3 yrs - that's 70 miles North of Downtown LA and about 100 miles from W. Covina - We watch our bikes like hawks, and I lock-up my cruiser just to go into the store to buy a paper in the morning. My GG Green NWT is just too obvious in this "beachie" environment -the Matte Black cruiser is "normal".

Sorry to hear about the loss. I guess in this economic environment bikes are becoming an even more valuable commodity.


I have already posted a link to your flyer direct from my blog. I generally like to get a formal permission from the Webmaster(s) involved, but I know that the bike must be returned at once and time is very critical here. Foldable Two is correct about the increased interest and dealing in stolen bikes-anywhere. The negative side of increasing interest of any and all bike type is attempts on and actual stealing of bikes. Sometimes even I take for granted being increasing paranoid about bike theft living in a high crime area.

Dahon.Steve
01-18-09, 11:21 PM
My Dahon Piccolo was almost stolen many times but the Kryptonite New York 3000 held it's own. However, I found out even this lock can be broken as others have had their bikes taken while using this device.

Even though my Piccolo was never stolen, the bike crooks did extensive damage to the point where I had to sell it with a cracked frame for $30.00 dollars! You never lock any bike outside that will not be missed should it get stolen or vandalized.

My condolences.

Oh by the way, the Piccolo was my very first bike and I put THOUSANDS of miles on it over five years. A very good bicycle.

x136
01-19-09, 01:59 AM
Oh geez. Sorry to hear it, Neko. I hope it turns up (and that the thieves in question have something horrible happen to them).