Ever get insights from a bike thief?
#1
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Ever get insights from a bike thief?
Making my bikes as theft-deterrent as possible has always been an obsession of mine. Whenever I consider acquiring a bike, whether new or used, the first thing I ask myself is "would this bike be likely to get stolen?"
I have miscellaneous theories on what bike thieves look for, and what they are deterred by. Has anyone ever gotten confessions from a former bike thief? The obvious thing we should all do is use a good lock, such as a U-Lock, but what else can be done to a bike to keep thieves uninterested?
Feel free to chime in on theft of components, as well as the entire bike. Thanks!
I have miscellaneous theories on what bike thieves look for, and what they are deterred by. Has anyone ever gotten confessions from a former bike thief? The obvious thing we should all do is use a good lock, such as a U-Lock, but what else can be done to a bike to keep thieves uninterested?
Feel free to chime in on theft of components, as well as the entire bike. Thanks!
#2
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I suspect the answer to your question is geographical. You would probably FREAK OUT to see how seldom I use any security measure at all when I ride.
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Unfortunately, Ebay is a quick and easy way to sell components. If your bike has good components, bolt cutters through the frame will override any lock, and your parts will be scattered all over the world in no time.
Best security is to only lock up crappy bikes and keep your good ones within sight.
Best security is to only lock up crappy bikes and keep your good ones within sight.
#6
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I don't lock mine up outside. When I pedal to the cafe, my rottweiler gets tied to the bike

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I do recall once seeing a bike security article written by an actual bike thief. (unrepenting)
that was years ago though; and google search doesnt seem to find anything resembling it.
It had a memorable side story of how once the thieft tried to convince a cop that a just stolen bike was his (with the real owner right there confronting him) only to be caught as the frame was custom and the name on the tube wasnt the brand, but the owner's actual name.
Anyone remember that article?
that was years ago though; and google search doesnt seem to find anything resembling it.
It had a memorable side story of how once the thieft tried to convince a cop that a just stolen bike was his (with the real owner right there confronting him) only to be caught as the frame was custom and the name on the tube wasnt the brand, but the owner's actual name.
Anyone remember that article?
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Making my bikes as theft-deterrent as possible has always been an obsession of mine. Whenever I consider acquiring a bike, whether new or used, the first thing I ask myself is "would this bike be likely to get stolen?"
I have miscellaneous theories on what bike thieves look for, and what they are deterred by. Has anyone ever gotten confessions from a former bike thief? The obvious thing we should all do is use a good lock, such as a U-Lock, but what else can be done to a bike to keep thieves uninterested?
Feel free to chime in on theft of components, as well as the entire bike. Thanks!
I have miscellaneous theories on what bike thieves look for, and what they are deterred by. Has anyone ever gotten confessions from a former bike thief? The obvious thing we should all do is use a good lock, such as a U-Lock, but what else can be done to a bike to keep thieves uninterested?
Feel free to chime in on theft of components, as well as the entire bike. Thanks!
My friends with 10 speeds were not so fortunate.
#9
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Otherwise, a lot of city riders "uggify" their bike through various means: Slap lots of stickers on the frame, cover component logos, rattle can paint job, etc. I saw a bike in NYC with its frame completely wrapped in duct tape. I once read where someone removed the frame decals from the bike and replaced them with Huffy decals. You can remove a wheel and and take it with you. Use multiple locks. Then there's this:
(Of course, that one didn't work out so well.)
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I have miscellaneous theories on what bike thieves look for, and what they are deterred by. Has anyone ever gotten confessions from a former bike thief? The obvious thing we should all do is use a good lock, such as a U-Lock, but what else can be done to a bike to keep thieves uninterested?
Feel free to chime in on theft of components, as well as the entire bike. Thanks!
Feel free to chime in on theft of components, as well as the entire bike. Thanks!
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