Stolen bikes

Thanks very much for pursuing this, Neil. Would you mind very much if I edited all your posts together into a case study on theft? It is a fairly complex and very typical case. In fact, I think I'll put a thread up asking for such case studies. We (LCC) are just starting our big campaign against bike theft.

Hey Oliver, feel free to copy and paste my posts. I have come to realise this is a fairly typical occurance and that is why I took the route of reclaiming the bike.

If anyone does take the same approach on hydsight it could be worth making an excuss of having to go and collected cash so you can phone the police.

Also always go with a friend (hopefully someone large) they can act as like they are advising you on the bike. They can also make an excuse to leave if the seller wants to go the cash machine with you and when around the corner phone the Police.

Another tip from friends experiences with the Police is they come A LOT faster if you tell them there maybe vialance towards the theif if he doesnt hand over the bike. I know its not right and some people may have issues with that but for this tacktic to work you want to garruntee they turn up.

Another good place to look for bikes is www.bikeshd.co.uk quoted a while ago by a forum member