It's certainly big buisness in Cambridge and Oxford (UK). I had two bikes stolen in Cambridge, admittedly over a period of about 7 years. Cambridge Police have a special bit to go to to report stolen bikes. Both places have a large student population, who mostly get around by bike. Apparently theives often steal the bikes in one town, then drive them to the other to sell them.

When I reported my bike missing, the police said they had had a lot (which probably means 10+) go from that area in that week. Neither bike I had stolen was anything special. Except to me, of course.

Ellie