cheap bikes and the robbers who steal them

howardmarks

Over the past 3 Months I've replaced my junker twice. I cycle circa 1 plus km to the train station from my house each way. Last night I got off the train in balbriggan only to find my bike stolen. Again. This is the second in three months. I never spend more than 70 EUR on my supposed junker for this type of bike. I actually really enjoy these bikes cause I can work on them and they serve a great purpose for me.
I don't report them stolen cause I know based on cost I'd be wasting my time. But I'm guessing there's lot of people in my circumstance. My question is how many if any are going through this too?
Who the f@@k is robbing sh@t bikes? And why?

kikidelvin

I would suggest that the bikes are sold on for whatever they can get.Any money made is free money.

ozmo

howardmarks wrote: »

.
I don't report them stolen cause I know based on cost I'd be wasting my time.

You should report all stolen bikes - most likely you wont get it back - but it can only help get increased security in place if the Gardai and the train station know how large the problem is there.

Possibly someone wanted a disposable bike to get home without walking - you could maybe remove and take your saddle with you to make it even less desirable - and look out for a tiny portable saddle to make this easier?

braddun

you can buy gps trackers from china

Wishbone Ash

howardmarks wrote: »

...Who the f@@k is robbing sh@t bikes? And why?

A more appropriate question would be: "Who is buying them?"

dceire

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

A more appropriate question would be: "Who is buying them?"

Those looking for cheap 50-70 EUR junkers of course. And so the 'cycle' continues.

Also, from my own experiences, seeing opportunistic thiefs in action, they just take them because the can; I'm not convinced some of them even plan on selling them on.

Zyzz

Offer asking on the junker.

HivemindXX

dceire wrote: »

... they just take them because the can;

I'm guessing the OP doesn't spend €100 on a lock to keep these bikes safe (I wouldn't). If it is locked with one of those pencil thin cables you get in toy shops I think the number of opportunistic theft possibilities goes way up.

killalanerr

There seems to be a lot of bikes been stolen in the balbriggan area just now I lost 2 good bikes recently. Looks like some of the local pond life have found an outlet for bikes the LBS had a brand new one stolen from the front of the shop. It's a bit worrying to say the least

beauf

HivemindXX wrote: »

I'm guessing the OP doesn't spend €100 on a lock to keep these bikes safe (I wouldn't). If it is locked with one of those pencil thin cables you get in toy shops I think the number of opportunistic theft possibilities goes way up.

That would be my question. How are they locked and stolen?

LimeFruitGum

Mine was stolen on Thursday outside my apartment (I currently live in Rathfarnham).
My apt is up for sale, so I did wonder if this had anything to do with it as my apartment block is normally very quiet and safe. I've had it parked in the same spot for the two years I had the bike.
The bike was locked and tucked away behind the steps to the flat, so you would have to really look for it in order to get it out.

Buchaill_Mor

braddun wrote: »

you can buy gps trackers from china

I have looked at the GPS305 Spybike type device on eBay. Anyone got one of these, or the Spybike model? How do they charge, and how long does the charge last? would a tea leaf sport them and take them out, or just skip the bike and go to the next one?

Qualitymark

LimeFruitGum wrote: »

Mine was stolen on Thursday outside my apartment (I currently live in Rathfarnham).
My apt is up for sale, so I did wonder if this had anything to do with it as my apartment block is normally very quiet and safe. I've had it parked in the same spot for the two years I had the bike.
The bike was locked and tucked away behind the steps to the flat, so you would have to really look for it in order to get it out.

It's Christmas time (bong)
Bikes need to be afraid…

Doc07

LimeFruitGum wrote: »

Mine was stolen on Thursday outside my apartment (I currently live in Rathfarnham).
My apt is up for sale, so I did wonder if this had anything to do with it as my apartment block is normally very quiet and safe. I've had it parked in the same spot for the two years I had the bike.
The bike was locked and tucked away behind the steps to the flat, so you would have to really look for it in order to get it out.

I had a heap of junk bike taken from my back garden on Sunday from near that area. I called the garda as out row of houses have been hit a few times since the summer.
You couldn't even cycle this bike, I had left it to rot out the back. They would have needed to carry it off. Luckily I have the other bikes indoors.