Unbelievable theft story

[FrankCrank]

Had this stolen a few days ago

I kid you not. Was in the local 'Spoons, and went across the road to get my bike, and it was gone.
I was saying only recently on another thread that these were the ideal bike to leave locked up in town - eating my words now.

As luck would have it, I made my way to get a bus home, spotted my bike and the thief, just up the road. He'd stopped by a doorway already occupied two other rough sleepers. I went over and asked could I have my bike back, very politely, and the look of disbelief on his face was so funny.
Anyways, happy to have it back, and had to get another new D-lock, this time Kryptonite brand, so even Superman can't take my bike now

Posting this as a heads-up, if a five quid clunker like this can be stolen, then really nothing is safe - careful how you go folks.

 

[DaveReading]

What was it locked to, and what with?

 

[Electric_Andy]

Well done for showing a lot of patience and self control

 

[a.twiddler]

My first thought on reading the first few words was "Yer gonna need a bigger lock!". So glad to see that you got it back. There's nothing like thinking you've lost something for making you appreciate what you've got.

 

[fossyant]

What was it locked to, and what with?

My question too. Anything will get stolen and if it 'works' then it's a bonus as the thief has 'transport'.

 

[FrankCrank]

Was locked to a proper bike stand type thing, there's many located throughout the town.
I've heard the best ones are outside the train station, cos they have cameras, but are usually full quite early.
The lock was a sturdy looking D-lock, as is the new one.

Another funny thing was the thief, after he got over his shock, said he'd just bought it for a fiver off someone down at the station.
As I walked away with my bike he followed me initially and repeated the fact that he'd paid a fiver for it. I think he was expecting some kind of payment for his troubles.

All sounds surreal I know, still can't get over it now really. Was down another pub in town last night for a farewell drink with some friends, as I'm heading back to Thailand on Sunday. This time I went by bus, as it threatened rain, and my mates all had a good laugh at my expense when I told them the story.

Another thought occurred, imagine if I'd gone to the police to make a report, and they asked me the value of the stolen bike, they'd think it was some sort of wind-up

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Another thought occurred, imagine if I'd gone to the police to make a report, and they asked me the value of the stolen bike, they'd think it was some sort of wind-up

A clockwork bike

 

[a.twiddler]

Was locked to a proper bike stand type thing, there's many located throughout the town.
I've heard the best ones are outside the train station, cos they have cameras, but are usually full quite early.
The lock was a sturdy looking D-lock, as is the new one.

Another funny thing was the thief, after he got over his shock, said he'd just bought it for a fiver off someone down at the station.
As I walked away with my bike he followed me initially and repeated the fact that he'd paid a fiver for it. I think he was expecting some kind of payment for his troubles.

All sounds surreal I know, still can't get over it now really. Was down another pub in town last night for a farewell drink with some friends, as I'm heading back to Thailand on Sunday. This time I went by bus, as it threatened rain, and my mates all had a good laugh at my expense when I told them the story.

Another thought occurred, imagine if I'd gone to the police to make a report, and they asked me the value of the stolen bike, they'd think it was some sort of wind-up

Would be even more strange if some scrote had lifted it, and sold it within minutes to the person you took it off who by some amazing coincidence had been passing by and was in need of a bike. Stretching things a bit, of course!

 

[FrankCrank]

Would be even more strange if some scrote had lifted it, and sold it within minutes to the person you took it off who by some amazing coincidence had been passing by and was in need of a bike. Stretching things a bit, of course!

I was in the pub for about two hours, so yeah, it could be as you say.
I do feel sorry for these type of rejects of society - not knowing how they got to such a pathetic state. I was very lucky to get my bike back, but they go on stealing to no doubt satisfy a drug habit. Reading has it's fair share of 'rough sleepers' in doorways, and would say that on my regular visits to Oxford, they seem to have even more. Rich pickings I guess.

 

[DaveReading]

The lock was a sturdy looking D-lock, as is the new one.

Picked, or brute force attack?

Assuming any trace of it remained and you could tell.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Would be even more strange if some scrote had lifted it, and sold it within minutes to the person you took it off who by some amazing coincidence had been passing by and was in need of a bike. Stretching things a bit, of course!

The person who stole it was £5 short for their train fare to Didcot Parkway.

 

[Tenkaykev]

Picked, or brute force attack?

Assuming any trace of it remained and you could tell.

Almost certainly the Lock Picking Lawyer on sabbatical to Reading and couldn't resist the challenge...

 

[FrankCrank]

Picked, or brute force attack?

Assuming any trace of it remained and you could tell.

No remains of the lock, no damage to bike. Must have been pretty slick however it was done.