I haven't read through all of this post yet but at the end of the day if someone wants a bike they will get it. I have mates that work in Soho and you'll be surprised what they get offered, even brand new bikes with price tags turn up. The best/worst one that I heard about was the Russian gang in a van that were stealing bikes and they had a hydraulic cutter which just went through any lock or railing and this puts me off riding to work if I need to lock my bike up outside ;o((
I haven't read through all of this post yet but at the end of the day if someone wants a bike they will get it. I have mates that work in Soho and you'll be surprised what they get offered, even brand new bikes with price tags turn up. The best/worst one that I heard about was the Russian gang in a van that were stealing bikes and they had a hydraulic cutter which just went through any lock or railing and this puts me off riding to work if I need to lock my bike up outside ;o((