chicago bike thieves (neighborhoods, to buy, law)

[zeppman]

Chicago really needs a solution to its bicycle theft problem. A friend of mine just lost her bike, even though it was locked properly to a city bike rack in a heavy pedestrian traffic area in daylight. It is ridiculously frustrating that I have to worry about leaving my bike(which is probably only worth about $100) outside for a short amount of time even though I use a "new york" kryptonite u-lock and other cables to secure the seat and wheels. Words can not describe how I feel about these pathetic excuses for humans. What we need is a law stating that if you get caught trying to rip off a bike, you lose a hand. Maybe then we will begin to see reports of stolen bikes decline. During a time when a lot of people are trying to make an effort to be healthier, be greener, and save money, we don't need thieves deterring people from riding their bikes.

[scarletneon]

so people who steal a car, what do they lose, their whole arm?

[jdiddy]

Originally Posted by supernerdgirl

so people who steal a car, what do they lose, their whole arm?

Depends on their sex.

[UnderTheLiveOaks]

I understand your frustration, but had your friend, by any chance, used a cable lock? Those aren't secure. If you have a u-lock and a bike that's not super-expensive, it's not worth anyone's time to take it.

If you're using a decent u-lock, you should be just fine.

(And I'll skip the hand-cutting. For all its faults, I still believe our modern legal system is a step up from Hammurabi.)

Edit: Actually... I guess losing a hand actually IS a step up from Hammurabi. If I recall correctly, theives were put to death under the Code.

[surlycue]

^^How's that job hunt going anyway?

[Jesse69]

I now worry about my expensive bikes too, so now I use TWO Bulldog U Locks and a cable for my front wheel. I guess with this bad economy maybe more people are turning to stuff like bike thefts for $$$ too. So just cruise ebay and Craigslist to see if your stolen bike pops up there too, - then set them up [cop sting?]. Recently I tried to buy a $100 Dyno from Craigslist but it was so fishy that the guy couldn't send me a right side photo of the bike...

Did you see my Bike Theft thread? //www.city-data.com/forum/chica...ke-thefts.html

[zeppman]

She had a newer u-lock with the flat key. supernerdgirl, that comment was more of a joke than anything, but I'm all ears if you have any input on a solution. Obviously I was kidding, but what can we do to stop these criminals?

Chicago is just such a great/beautiful city to bike around in, it is just unfortunate that more people don't do it because of thieves, and those who do always have that, "will my bike still be here" in the back of their mind when they leave it, even locked securely, outside.

[cubssoxfan]

Maybe one of those Cop Cameras they post in some neighborhoods? Put a sign, Under surveillance by CPD

[UnderTheLiveOaks]

If the bike was locked securely with a newer u-lock to an approved bike rack, I truly don't know how they got ahold of the bike without using a saw. I don't think bolt cutters would do the trick... but I could certainly be mistaken.

[Jesse69]

They probably used a portable grinding wheel to break the U Lock. A bike shop in Wicker Park uses this technique for people who lost their U Lock key.