I second what Retro has stated. First off, if you can take your bike inside, that is the way to go. I work at a college, and my bike comes inside.. Period. If you do have to lock up a bike outside, make sure it not a prime, a looker, or anykind of way a prize. Most likely a beater off of Craigslist for $50 will do. In high risk areas, IMO, it is just a matter of time before somebody steals your bike.

Seat off, and remove the front will will help too..

On the same subject line, I just won a small battle with a Supermarket Chain. I usually stop at this Supermarket on my way to work or at lunch time to pick up some groceries for lunch and breakfast at work. The clerks were giving me a hard time because I refused to lock my bike up outside, and I always bring it inside the store. They told me I couldn't do it anymore. A quick telephone call to the customer service and explained to them, that I am 73, and I am allowed to bring my wheel chair in the store, but they won't allow me to bring my bicycle in the store for a few minutes to pick up groceries. Two days later, I got a call from the store manager, and told me I could bring my bike inside. I said all that to say, try your damest to bring your bike inside, if shopping, let them tell you that you can't have the bike in the store first. At work/school try your damest again to find a way to bring it on the inside. Might take a little politics of talking to people but believe me, once you get the okay to bring your bike inside, that opens you up to more enjoyment and peace of mind. You can bring your prize bike in this manner..

Just my two cents..