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@crimsonape
@hanged -up - Before joining this site I have never owned a lock. I have secure parking at work and a garage at home. I now have a ground anchor in my garage and carry 2 locks. I thought I didn't need a lock before reading the stories on here. Familiarising yourself with all aspects of your chosen hobby / job / means of transport should be your top priority. It's even more important than how deep your V's are. Not every cyclist has joined a helpful site like this so perhaps I was wrong about everyone knowing how to lock their bike safey. If you've joined this site after 8th March 2009 http://www.lfgss.com/thread17938.html you don''t really have any excuse for using a cable lock from halfords.
@smaryka - The majority of thefts are oppertunistic. At what point does the victim take some responsibility for their choice of bike, location and locking technique? Before someone jumps on the rape victim asking for it angle, that's not where I'm going. Leave you property in a dark, dodgy area and what do you expect? This isn't eutopia we live in. I know when we start off riding around London security isn't at the forefront of our minds but is that really a valid excuse after 1 visit?
This thread alone has 3,414 posts on the subject so far. I haven't tallied up the actual number of thefts, but it does seem that a considerable number could have been avoided. There are even a few posts about how lucky someone was to have not had their bike nicked.
Don't leave your property unattended with an unsuitable lock in a dodgy area. It's not a secret that theives like to steal and London has a lot of deprived areas where crime is as popular as signing on. If your item is expensive, looks expensive or is poorly secured, then it's fair game to someone.
Go into any bike shop and ask or look on line and you will find a plethera of useful information on the subject of cycle security. Searching this site will give you everything you ever need to know about cycling and quite a few pie suggestions. If your mum didn't make wake you up for school today, you should take responsibility if you make a mistake. I'm not blaming anyone for having their bike stolen, but is it worth a thief's time cutting through your expensive locks and ignoring an easier target?
Next time you're in a bike shop when someone is buying a new bike, listen if the sales person suggests a lock. I find it's hit and miss. I suppose they have an interest in a bigger sale, but also in the replacement bike sale. I have never been asked about buying a lock.