Where do stolen bikes go?
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Where do stolen bikes go?
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Re: Where do stolen bikes go?
#2They used something called a smarttag, not sure what that is.
But I wonder if one could put an RFID tag inside the frame some where ?
And I wonder if you have a steel frame would that interfere with it ?Re: Where do stolen bikes go?
#3I can't imagine it being worthwhile to take a bike very far unless it is a very expensive bike.
If they are normal bikes, you would have to transport them in numbers, and it would be hard to explain it if you got caught. And you would need a van.
Best solution: steal local, sell local for fast turnover of minimal stocks.
I lost my bike twice in Cambridge: once found it around the corner and another in the police depo. So someone had just taken it to get somewhere.
Re: Where do stolen bikes go?
#4They used something called a smarttag, not sure what that is. But I wonder if one could put an RFID tag inside the frame some where ? And I wonder if you have a steel frame would that interfere with it ?
Most metals, as well as carbon fiber will interfere with reading an RFID tag. It's more likely one could be put on top of a bike frame and concealed by paint, or inside the seat than inside the frame.
Re: Where do stolen bikes go?
#5The first line on the Amsterdam stolen bike report form at the local police station reads:
"Waar heeft u het rijwiel zelf gestolen?"
Which translates as:
"Where did you steal the bike yourself?"
So at least in Amsterdam this fact was common knowledge ;)
Re: Where do stolen bikes go?
#6They used something called a smarttag, not sure what that is. But I wonder if one could put an RFID tag inside the frame some where ? And I wonder if you have a steel frame would that interfere with it ?
Most metals, as well as carbon fiber will interfere with reading an RFID tag. It's more likely one could be put on top of a bike frame and concealed by paint, or inside the seat than inside the frame.
Just stick it in the rear light or in the tire.
Re: Where do stolen bikes go?
#7I can't imagine it being worthwhile to take a bike very far unless it is a very expensive bike. If they are normal bikes, you would have to transport them in numbers, and it would be hard to explain it if you got caught. And you would need a van. Best solution: steal local, sell local for fast turnover of minimal stocks. I lost my bike twice in Cambridge: once found it around the corner and another in the police depo…
In Seattle, high end bikes are targeted to be disassembled for components. The components can then easily be fenced for drug money.
Re: Where do stolen bikes go?
#8If one's bike is stolen in the San Francisco Bay Area, there's a small but significant chance you can find it for sale at the Laney College Flea Market (e.g. [1]).
[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/BAbike/comments/8mmrne/stolen_bike_...
Re: Where do stolen bikes go?
#9[deleted]
Re: Where do stolen bikes go?
#10Once I lost a bike that was parked right outside my house. Couple of days later I saw a guy ride around on my bike! I sprinted over and somewhat aggressively yelled "you're on my bike, buddy!"
He got off, very politely handed me back my bike, and thanked me for letting him borrow it.
Almost made me feel like I was the bad guy in the situation. Anyway I guess in some cases, a stolen bike doesn't go far at all.