Originally Posted by
slyborg
There is the explanation for bike theft in a nutshell, right? Unless a law enforcement type who cares happens on the scene, most people won't bat an eye if someone who looks like they are doing something they are supposed to be doing is cutting locks off of a bike rack. If it's in broad daylight and you don't look nervous, you can steal almost anything on a public way. For full effect, have a buddy stand around watching while drinking a cup of coffee, just like the pros do it ;-)
To avoid any problems you might want to notify the local cops in advance. Easier than explaining later if they get curious as to whose bike it really is.