Comments on: Bike Thefts Becoming a Growing Problem in Los Angeles. What Can Be Done?

By: Offshore merchant accounts

Offshore merchant accounts — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:26:55 +0000

The most important thing you can do to be safe on your bike from thieves and robbers is to know your route and bike a safe route. I don’t care how “bike friendly” a route is, when it’s late at night I’m biking on major streets where there will be a lot of witnesses to any violence.

By: danceralamode

danceralamode — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 08:25:06 +0000

Did I mention that my bike was stolen from right outside my place of business, I called to report it and told the officer that we had video footage of the theft. They told me the officer would call me to get the footage, and he never followed up. Even with point blank footage of the guy stealing it. They just don’t care.

By: bhance

bhance — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 19:51:59 +0000

Just wanted to pop in here and point out that you can list (and search for) stolen bikes, for free, over at http://www.stolenbicycleregistry.com

There’s even a mobile interface (mobile.stolenbicycleregistry.com) if you’re out in the field and want to run a serial number on a bike and see if it has been reported stolen.

It’s a long shot, but the SBR has had some fantastic recoveries over the years and helped nail a fair number of thieves.

By: viky

viky — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 01:30:22 +0000

Hey this is a real serious trouble to me. I got a gift from my parents on my last birthday n somebody stole my bike away. I felt very bad for it. I would also like to know a very suggestions from all. I have got a new bike last week. I want to make sure that I dont lose this.

By: ubrayj02

ubrayj02 — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:17:57 +0000

It is super duper easy to rock a six inch bolt cutter ( $15 at a hardware store) tucked into your belt and snip those cheap ass cable locks. 99 cent store u locks are for decoration only – a hammer hit will take those things out in a jiffy.

I learned the hard way at UCSB how to properly lock a bike.

By: Enci

Enci — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:04:45 +0000

My friend and I had our bike locked up together last week. We hung out in Hollywood in a coffee shop. When we came out of the shop at 5pm, both locks were cut, the outside bike was stolen and so was the helmet from the other bike that was previously locked. One safety conscious mofo thief stole one of the bikes in the broad daylight in front of a busy coffee shop.

This person was very skilled and very fast. I was so upset, I was scared to ride for a week, I felt violated! Two days ago I got me a new Kryptonite from Orange 20 as well as a new helmet.

I reported to the police right away. I’m pissed off because bike thefts have been going on for years and it has always been ignored. Now the bike thefts are out of hand and there is still nothing being done about it.

By: ubrayj02

ubrayj02 — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:17:12 +0000

Okay, funny story about that lock (which is bad ass).

There is a coffee shop on Figueroa that someone locked their bike to using that very same Fahgedeaboudditt (Whatever on the spelling of that one) lock to secure their bike.

I know this because the lock is still there. The bike … not so much.

You have to properly lock your bike using whatever lock you have.

Those little licorice strips people use are not effective – but then again, so is wrapping a $130 uber-strong lock around your handlebars and thinking you’re good to go for your two-week trip abroad while your bike sits outside by the bus station.

By: Paul

Paul — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 04:34:23 +0000

I would recommend people buy the New York Fahgettaboudit 1415. Now it’s a big and heavy lock, but it’s worth carrying around the weight to be able to come out of a cafe or where ever to find your bike waiting for you. I recently heard that they have a new and stronger lock.

By: ubrayj02

ubrayj02 — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:51:31 +0000

Folks, the solution is easy: buy a new bike at Flying Pigeon LA this weekend after thanksgiving. Bring in a metro pass and nearly all my bikes will be 10 or 15 percent off retail.

Shameless self promotion has never felt so good.

By: Spokker

Spokker — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:24:40 +0000

The police should put GPS on some bikes and leave them out to be stolen in some kind of sting operation. Follow the bikes and you’ll probably find a lot more crimes happening wherever they take them.

By: Will Campbell

Will Campbell — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:03:47 +0000

I used to lock my bike up on my front porch with a basic cable lock. A miraculously timed look outside one night just before turning in found two punks creeping up my front steps. They retreated post haste when I threw open the front door and charged after them knowing full well they weren’t trying to steal my shrubs.

Had I not happened to look at that particular moment my bike would’ve been gone. The bike comes indoors at nights now — and into my office with me at work during the days.

On my commutes I carry that same half-inch cable lock for short stops. I know I’m inviting trouble or at least a failing grade from Hal, but even a cheap lock is better than none at all.

I’m also guilty of riding some sketchy stretches after dark on my commute home, such as the near pitch-dark Ballona Creek. That’s even less intelligent than my choice of locks, but it’s tough saying no to that couple miles of car-free riding.

By: jass

jass — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:28:56 +0000

Bike thieves in LA have managed to break the Kryptonite U-Lock…so even having that is not very comforting.

LAPD needs to take the broken window approach. Those stealing bikes are the same people who graffiti the city and break into cars. Put one guy in kail and you may just have solved 5 crimes.