I don't like what the cops did because I feel they could have played this game anywhere and had the same result. They could have choosen a suburban shopping mall, and some teenager would have taken it. They could have put a wallet out, instead of a bike and someone would have taken it. The first guy they busted, I really had sympathy for because I really believe the guy just wanted a bike to ride because he was poor. The second guy I have no sympathy for because he punched the undercover cop as he tried to get the bike(it could have been the owner, for example). I believe that in our culture (which one can argue this many ways) it is expected that we lock our things up. Our cars take keys, our houses have locks, and on and on. I'm sure you've heard the phrase "locks only keep out the honest people" which in itself is paradoxical. If people were always truely honest, we wouldn't need locks anywhere. If they had merely free locked the bike (locked such that it cannot be ridden) then I could agree with the bust. What I take issue with, is they took a boutique bike (like Mercedes Benz actually makes the bike) with an excessively high retail price (inflated due to the branding) and leave it unlocked in a shady part of town, with the intent of making the punishment that much more severe. They could have used a Huffy or a Murray if they just wanted to get the point across that you shouldn't be taking an unlocked bike. Instead, I feel that they have presented a ambiguous situation, with a possibly abandoned bike, and preyed on peoples' weaknesses. I mean, the bike to me doesn't look much different from cheap department store bikes that I have seen abandoned (out by the trash). Not that the value of the bike is the importaint principle here. But if it is the difference between a guy getting a year (or more) in jail (around here a class II felony is punishable with 1-10 years in prision), and a guy getting a punishment that fits the crime. Of course, I'm writing this on a bike forum, so I wouldn't be suprised if someone chimes in with a lets hang 'em sentiment.

Now, I'm the kind of guy who leaves my doors to my house unlocked. I leave my bike on the front porch unlocked. Maybe I'm asking for it, but it has been a few years and nobody has taken it. But I ride a beater (with fenders and a basket) so maybe it isn't desirable. I've had things stolen. I've had my car broken in to (now I leave it unlocked, because the damage from the break in cost more than they stole).

I think that people are basically honest. If I left some tools on the street, I'd expect them to be grabbed. Not because they are valuable, but because they are useful. Bikes are useful. Not every bike thief is a crackhead looking for a fix. We live in a wasteful society.

What I saw on TV seemed like a cruel socialogical experiment, not solid proactive law enforcement. I also don't like the busts where a female officer dresses like a hooker to get "johns" but now I'm getting off topic.

Who purposely buys a $2000 bike and leaves it unattended out in the town?