Retro Grouch 

Some low life scum stole 2 bicycles out of my daughter's garage last night. They took a 24" Raleigh Mountain Scout that belonged to my 11 year old grand daughter and a Redline BMX bike that belonged to one of my triplet grand sons. They left 4 or 5 other bikes. Appearantly they took the bikes out of the garage (the door was open) while my daughter was cleaning in the kitchen.

Of my daughter's 5 children, they took the two bikes that have been ridden the most. My grand son lived for his bike and is quite unhappy. My daughter doesn't have the resources to replace the bikes so I suppose I'll do it. The worst thing they take when they steal from you is your peace of mind. The family will never feel quite the same again.

Low life scum!

Tom Bombadil

I've heard similar tales in the past, but am always surprised when someone goes into a person's garage, while the person is right there in the house, and steals used bicycles. A good friend of mine lost two bikes in the exact same way last summer.

Monoborracho

I have a stronger word for them than low life scum. It starts with an s and end with onof*****es.

As you point out, its unnerving and leaves you with a feeling of insecurity in your own home. The bad part about having someone is your home is the feeling of of losing your privacy and security.

TruF 

That sucks, Retro! So sorry that happened to your daughter and her family.

George

The *******s are everywhere. You got to lock everything, anymore, anywhere you go. Sorry about the lose.

freeranger

Have her check her homeowner's insurance. Since they were stolen out of the garage, the bikes may be covered. Still doesn't help with that feeling that your privacy and safety has been violated. We live in a neighborhood which is relatively safe, still I feel uneasy sometimes if I'm cutting grass out back and the garage door is left open. Be great if they would catch them, but doesn't seem they get caught nearly often enough-and the penalty would not be severe enough if they were caught.

MNBikeguy

Retro G, this completely sucks.
I'm so sorry this happened to your family.

I just wish they'd catch these guys and they go to prison wearing a sign that said, "I stole a little kids bicycle."
Unlikely, but I can envision the justice that would be served.

Louis

"Defiled" best describes the feeling I get when that happens. Sadly, that kind of crap seems to be a way of life these days. Sorry that had to happen, RG.

BluesDawg

Sonsof*****es!

PirateJim

I'm really sorry to hear this kind of story because it gives kids a taste of "real life" that we would probably prefer they not have to cope with just yet. The suggestion about the home owners insurance is good, that should cover the loss, though it might be just as well to buy new bikes once than pay higher premiums for years...

Your daughter should ask around among the neighbors. It may be that one will have seen something. Perhaps one will have noticed their kid has a new bike.... This is almost certainly the work of a kid (or kids). Going forward, it might be good to scribe something on the frame, address, name, etc., that will help police identify the bike. A Dremmil (sp?) tool should do the trick, and many police departments will mark things free of charge.

It is sad, but a sign of the times. I say it to my wife over and over, "Close the garage door!"

Jim

zonatandem

Betcha the garage door is down fron now on . . . hard lesson to learn.

Old Hammer Boy

They probably would be covered under homeowner's or renter's insurance. But, there is a deductable that probably exceeds the value of the bikes. I hate these scum.

rubic

This really sucks. I just hope that the scum wasn't an adult who then gives his kids the bikes like he is some sort of good guy. If that is the case how can this person look at himself (or herself) in the mirror and feel good about it?

Tom Bombadil

This woman didn't let them get away with her bike:

https://seattletimes.nwsource.com/htm...lantes24m.html

Note that sometimes it is good to have a flat tire.

Jet Travis

[QUOTE=PirateJim;6800108]
Your daughter should ask around among the neighbors. It may be that one will have seen something. Perhaps one will have noticed their kid has a new bike.... /QUOTE]

That actually may work. When a friend's bike was stolen, I put up posters around town. Amazingly, perhaps, someone saw the poster called--and the bike was eventually returned. Good luck, Retro.

Dchiefransom

Not if they are like my family. The "it won't happen" bunch here would turn into the "it won't happen again" bunch.

We used to hang those that stole people's transportation.

Dchiefransom

They do it very easily.

robtown

I'm sorry for your grand childrens loss. I had my bike stolen from a garage we left open sixteen years ago. It still bothers me to think of it. It's good they have you as the family bike expert to help restore bike equilibrium.

bkaapcke

Does someone with a ratty old Camaro live in the neighborhood? Prime suspect. bk

rodrigaj

I had my garage burned down by a wacko arsonist in 1978 when we were living in Milwaukee. He (or she) burned down 13 garages in one night. Fortunately, our garage was detached. Ruined my beloved Bottechia and my wife's Motobecane.

But like others have said, it is the feeling of being violated that affects you more than the property loss.

Sorry to hear about this.

sauerwald

Retro

What part of the country does your daughter live in? - I have a kids bike which is headed to a garage sale later this summer (kid is at college).

Retro Grouch 

We live in the St Louis area.

I appreciate your offer. I've already discussed the issue with my wife. My plan is to wait a week or so to see if the bikes show up abandoned in the woods. If they don't, I imagine that I'll buy them replacements.

When I was a kid growing up I didn't have my own bike. I hated that. I think that I'm reacting to those memories.

Hobartlemagne 

Never leave the garage door open and unattended. I was raised on that rule.

Tom Bombadil

Growing up in a small rural town, I never heard this rule. Our garage door didn't even have a lock on it and it was left open most of the time, even at night. Only locked the house at night - never bothered locking it when we went into town.

cranky old dude

Where we live they'll shoot you for your sneakers.

You can chase the little scums, but don't touch them or you'll soon
learn that the laws are written and interpreted to protect the criminals
and punish the victims.