Originally Posted by
GravelMN
I agree that most bike theft is opportunistic, but law enforcement in our region is warning people not to give out their addresses in for sale ads in printed or online media as there have been several burglaries of expensive items that were listed in classified ads..
That makes good sense to me. I never post my address on CL. You have to call to get an address. I generally just say what street and tell them to: Look for the bike in the drive way.
Originally Posted by
GravelMN
.... one individual lost a jet ski and trailer right out of his garage after giving out his address to a number of respondents to his CL ad. No way to know for sure that it was one of the CL respondents that stole the jet ski........
Call me cynical.... I'd be looking first.. at relatives.
Originally Posted by
GravelMN
.......... there was one sketchy one where the individual was very eager to take a test ride but bolted when asked for ID or some form of security to assure his return (like I said, I usually ask to hold on to their drivers license or at least take a snapshot of them with the bike).
I set the bicycles in front of the house to make it easier to find my home. When they examine the property [bike] the security cameras record their images (as well as car and plates). I am security minded.
Interestingly... most buyers never really test ride the bikes.... maybe up the sidewalk and back. A couple people (buying higher dollar bikes) did want to "test ride" and asked to. I said NO PROBLEM.... I will ride with you and show you where the hills are at.... adding that: Hills are the best way to stress test the bike. Now... I am in my 60's... but I ride those hills almost every time I ride. And I ride a solid 2000 miles a year. I guess there is a chance that someone could bolt away from me. But I don't really worry about that happening.
Originally Posted by
GravelMN
Unfortunately, for some, theft is a career. Within an hour of my home, there have been a number of burglary rings or individuals arrested for strings of burglaries. Armed robberies are also way up in nearby towns.
Anywhere you have wealth... there will also be people trying to share in that wealth... by ANY MEANS. That is the way it has always been everywhere on Earth. Stealing is one way of wealth distribution.
There are no smart tricks or cleaver means to prevent that. Stealing is not a career or a profession... it is an attempt to experience a taste of the good life.... for some while between jail or prison sentences. For others... they see an opportunity and just can't pass up a chance to get something for nothing. IMHO.