So every year tons of bikes go missing, We talk about all sorts of alarms and theft devices and our general hatred for bike theives. I too am a victim of bike theft and know that It can be a major bummer (always have fire/theft coverage!). Over my years as a motorcyclist and working at bikeshops I've come across a few trends and wanted to share them as they may help you from being that next victim.
First and foremost this applys more to the Condo/Apartment folks but also housing communities.
Rule 1. TALK TO THY NEIGHBOR! one of the common signs that a theft of a vehical is gonna occur soon is cars being broken into. Yes the theives will take valuables from the car if present but majority of the time they're looking for the garage door remotes. They need easy access in/out to make a quick get away. Pull your face off your smart phones and start chit chatting with people you live around. Word travels quick and if your friendly and talk to your neighbors they may have some valuable intel on thefts occuring in your building that you may have missed.
Point in case: I was advised that over the past few nights 8 cars in total were broken into, remotes alllll gone. Few night later bam! 2 cars gone.
all caught on camera which showed doors opening cuz theives had entry/exit remotes. Since I was aware of something fishy going on
I prompty parked my bike at a different location for a few night.
Rule 2. Watch Who You Ride With Cuz They Maybe Watching You (mostly for the hot ticket bikes). I know its tons of fun to meet new people ride in groups, link up with other groups from different parts of town but be warned. There are some shady mofos riding out there. You may not even know that someone your riding with is riding a hot bike. These people keep their eyes out for their next grab. Be selective and careful about whome you choose to converse with and what you choose to tell them. A simple question from a rider you may not know like "oh thats a sweet bike, where abouts do you live? We should ride sometime" may actually be someone feeling you out. Majority of the time your bike gets stolen its from someone within a link or two of someone you may know. They've watched you, followed you and know when its the best time to grab your prized posession.
These are just a couple of things to keep in mind. All the best
First and foremost this applys more to the Condo/Apartment folks but also housing communities.
Rule 1. TALK TO THY NEIGHBOR! one of the common signs that a theft of a vehical is gonna occur soon is cars being broken into. Yes the theives will take valuables from the car if present but majority of the time they're looking for the garage door remotes. They need easy access in/out to make a quick get away. Pull your face off your smart phones and start chit chatting with people you live around. Word travels quick and if your friendly and talk to your neighbors they may have some valuable intel on thefts occuring in your building that you may have missed.
Point in case: I was advised that over the past few nights 8 cars in total were broken into, remotes alllll gone. Few night later bam! 2 cars gone.
all caught on camera which showed doors opening cuz theives had entry/exit remotes. Since I was aware of something fishy going on
I prompty parked my bike at a different location for a few night.
Rule 2. Watch Who You Ride With Cuz They Maybe Watching You (mostly for the hot ticket bikes). I know its tons of fun to meet new people ride in groups, link up with other groups from different parts of town but be warned. There are some shady mofos riding out there. You may not even know that someone your riding with is riding a hot bike. These people keep their eyes out for their next grab. Be selective and careful about whome you choose to converse with and what you choose to tell them. A simple question from a rider you may not know like "oh thats a sweet bike, where abouts do you live? We should ride sometime" may actually be someone feeling you out. Majority of the time your bike gets stolen its from someone within a link or two of someone you may know. They've watched you, followed you and know when its the best time to grab your prized posession.
These are just a couple of things to keep in mind. All the best
