Got a few bike theft stories that deserve some attention so I figured I’d round them up.
We all know bike thieves are mean; but they are also getting increasingly clever. Marion Rice sent in a photo of the bike parking staple her daughter’s bike was parked to outside their daycare. The thief (or thieves) unscrewed the rack and took the bike. This isn’t a big surprise to us, as we’ve covered the unscrewing method in the past.
First, our friend Susan Otcenas shared the news of a particularly sad theft. Portlander Asta Chastain works as a SoupCycle employee, delivering meals by bike throughout the city. Her 1990s Specialized Hard Rock mountain bike (which happened to be photographed in a recent BikePortland story) was stolen while it was attached to her Soup Cycle trailer. Susan says Asta lots a lot of gear and tools with her bike, so this is a big loss. Check out this post for more information and keep your eyes peeled for her bike.
And finally, consider this next one a lesson on how to read — and be wary of — Craigslist postings. A reader sent a link to this sale post thinking that it looked very fishy. When I posted it to Twitter, most everyone agreed. Read it below and judge for yourself:
- Howdy everybody
Happy holidays to all
I have way too many bikes to list them individually so I apologize
If u come to view/purchase u will understand
I have road ,mountain, hybrids, tagalongs,tandems,trailers and more
All big name brands- no cheap or junk bikes. Sorry no kids or bmx
All bikes recently serviced/rebuilt ( I am a bike mechanic so you know u r getting quality)
Very unusual collection – most bikes look new
If u really need a bike don’t miss this. U need to call
If you r just looky looing or low balling please don’t waste my time
Cash only- bring it with u or u will NOT be allowed to view
(sorry but this is due to all the looky loos)
Please call *******Number deleted by moderator**** anyday 9 am-9pm
This may be your chance to get a killer deal- don’t wait!
Be smart out their folks. Keep your wheels safe.
UPDATE, 12/2/14: The man who made the Craigslist post I published in this story has contacted me. He says he has never stolen a bike and that he runs a legitimate business refurbishing used bikes and selling them online. He is now very upset and says BikePortland has caused him to lose business and be falsely accused of several thefts.
FWIW, I reprinted the CL ad verbatim without the man’s name and then his name was brought up here in the comments. I regret any harm done to him or his business.
I have edited the story to remove the reference to his business phone number and his name. -Jonathan