(Photos: Jimmy C.)
Back in 2007, we shared what looked to be a clever method of stealing bikes — unscrewing the bolts that anchor the rack to the sidewalk. Then about a year ago, we reported an actual theft that had occurred in Southwest Portland after someone completely unscrewed a staple rack.
And now, in the most brazen attempt to take a bike I’ve ever seen in Portland, reader Jimmy C. has evidence of a staple rack on N. Interstate and Rosa Parks Way that has been completely sawed through. Here’s the note Jimmy sent us along with these photos…
“For the last several weeks, at least three or four, there has been a grey Scott bike [like this one] locked up with a U-lock at the corner of Interstate and Rosa Parks… Over time, the wheels and saddle and post were stolen and just today, I noticed the rack had been cut. I have never seen a rack cut before to take a bike. It looks like a power tool of some sort was used to cut through the rack.”
Here’s another photo…
PBOT bike parking program manager Sarah Figliozzi says crews are on their way to check it out.
What strikes me is how much noise and/or time this must have taken. And, someone must have been very desperate to have a bike! UPDATE: A commenter below makes a good point. This could also have been the result of the bike’s owner who might have lost the key to their lock.