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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

My bike was nicked from outside work last week (despite a D-lock - grr), and I think it is for sale in the local paper...

60 replies

NottsCounting · 15/09/2011 20:43

AIBU in going round and checking it is mine (I have photos and it has a number I etched on the frame), and just saying - give it back? Or should I involve the police? The description is pretty similar, and it is a fairly unusual bike. The thing is, whoever took it obviously is familiar with where I work, so if I went to the police, I worry there could retributions...
More of a WWYD I suppose, but comments welcomed. Oh, and when I say 'I would go round', I mean I and two great big bikers friends I know .

OP posts:

HerHissyness · 15/09/2011 21:03

The police are WAY scarier than a couple of blokes! Call the 101 and see what they say

Other thing is, why not one of your mates goes round as if HE is interested in buying it and you are merely with him for company. You see it IS your bike and are 100% sure and you pop out to the car for the money, and call the police there and then.

thisisyesterday · 15/09/2011 21:04

I would involve the police... have you not already reported it stolen??

Original poster

NottsCounting · 15/09/2011 21:05

Ok, good point, I reported it stolen last week, so it is not unreasonable for the thief to think that it is them (the police) that have found him, not me. I just assumed the police didn't investigate bike thefts, but maybe they do. In which case, the thief won't be cross at me personally. Than you for pointing that out -can't believe I hadn't thought of that!

You have convinced me, I will phone the police and tell them about the advert and ask them to go round (asap?)

As for selling my bike to buy another - noooo! I love my bike. it's very erm, me

OP posts:

GrimmaTheNome · 15/09/2011 21:07

Involve the police. Thieves deserve to get in trouble. I doubt they will come back for revenge - bike theft is, as far as I can see, either opportunistic or run in quite a businesslike way.

But when you get your bike back, or a replacement, don't leave it locked up outside work again, its obviously not secure there. Is there anywhere inside/round the back you could put it?

ChippingIn · 15/09/2011 21:10

I hope you get it back. I get very attached to 'stuff' (cars/bikes etc) and I would be really upset if someone stole my bike :( I survived living in a city renowned for bike theft with my D lock - I thought they were pretty good. Are they not? How do they break them or is it just they have easy to pick locks??

Little bastard - hope he gets what he's due

Fontsnob · 15/09/2011 21:12

This happened to a friend of ours, his (BIG) brother went round to check it was his, asked how much it was etc. Then they called the police straight away and got it back.

Quintessentialist · 15/09/2011 21:16

If it is your bike, and you involve the police, THEY would be pretty daft to intimidate you, because then they would REALLY be in trouble with the police.

ivykaty44 · 15/09/2011 21:17

TBH I would get your two mates - the bigger the better and go get your bike back.

but then my dad had his bike stolen and the police knew where it was, they knew the bike thief he had one of my dad's other bikes and they know who it was sold to - but they refuse to act on any of the information given to them. So knowing this I have doubt whether the police will do anything and my judgement is clouded by the police not acting at all on any information given to them

CurrySpice · 15/09/2011 21:19

Do you live in Albert Square?

No?

Then call the police Treacle

LemonDifficult · 15/09/2011 21:23

Involve the police. And let us know what happens.

Tinkerisdead · 15/09/2011 21:27

Call the police.

If you go round, clock all the defects and failed to get the bike back, how would you then prove it was your bike. They could argue that you're a chancer who came to see it, noted any defects then tried to claim it wad yours. If you send the police armed with a description there's no heresay involved.

Original poster

NottsCounting · 15/09/2011 21:31

I will let you know. I will call the police first thing tomorrow - I would be amazed if the thief sold it at this time of night, and it isn't an emergency.

As for the D-lock - it went with the bike! So I have no idea how they managed it. There are secure bike racks at the back of work, but they are limited -as I get there after the school run, they tend to be full, so I am stuck with a railing down the side of the building. However the thief did it, it must have been quick because no one has come forward to say they saw anything.

Lol at the Albert Sq reference. i am not normally one for taking justice into my own hands, I just wanted my bike back with no come back. My friends loved the idea of being my scary backup (they are pretty scary too, if you don't know them!).

Phew, I shall sleep easier tonight. Thank you.

OP posts:

Original poster

NottsCounting · 15/09/2011 21:36

Oh, and I have loads of pictures of me with my bike, and it is insured with the description of what I etched on it, so I could prove it was mine. But, as I said, I have already reported it, so actually, I don't need to worry about that now.

It's amazing how you can get yourself so wrapped up in something that you can't see the wood for the trees...

OP posts:

CurrySpice · 15/09/2011 21:37

Glad you feel a bit calmer OP and I really hope you get your bike back x

Inertia · 15/09/2011 22:28

Go to the police. A friend had his bike stolen, there was a spate of bike thefts in the area- but thanks to all the information and evidence they had, the police were able to catch the gang who were doing it. We were surprised that the police bothered, but they did.

FairPhyllis · 15/09/2011 23:43

I'm glad you're going to report it. I used to live in a university town where bike-stealing was an industry - I hate it. There is probably a circle of hell reserved for bike thieves.

I doubt they would try to get revenge on you for calling in the police as this would only bring the police down more heavily on them. Hope you get it back.

FessaEst · 16/09/2011 18:48

Any news Notts - how did it go with the police?

GloriaVanderbilt · 16/09/2011 19:00

Oh how exciting. I hope it is yours,

FWIW some D locks can be managed using a broken biro...I was told this when I'd just bought one. Helpfully

maxybrown · 16/09/2011 19:12

ooh have you any news?

Original poster

NottsCounting · 16/09/2011 20:26

Yay! I have a bike, and most of it is mine.
Spoke to police this morning, and eventually spoke to the local beat guy. He started off being very busy etc, but actually agreed to go round this afternoon. He did, it was my bike, they didn't need to take it in for evidence (phew!), and they have arrested the bloke - apparently there were quite a few bikes there plus other stuff that he had no explanation of why he had (like 4 lawn mowers apparently!). He did say, always mark your bike (I had) and always report it (I had). He also said always tell the police if you see it for sale (I did mention my burly friends idea and he gave me a bit of a patronising smile).
The beat officer actually drove the bike round in a van a couple of hours ago. It has been resprayed, and the seat and handlebars changed - no surprise, they were very distinctive. It may be that the seat and handlebars are somewhere at his house, but I will have to wait to find out.
However, I got it back! And I did the right thing! Yay! I just need to spend some time this weekend giving it back its character.
Thanks for all your help last night, good call!

OP posts:

CurrySpice · 16/09/2011 20:31

Excellent!!

eurochick · 16/09/2011 20:37

Oooo, a happy ending and justice done. Excellent.

Grumpla · 16/09/2011 20:40

Huzzah!

ChippingIn · 16/09/2011 20:41

That's great news.

I'd still be really upset that it had bits missing & it had been resprayed :( It's abuse.

LemonDifficult · 16/09/2011 20:46

That's brilliant. Thanks for letting us know.

God, it must be so satisfying knowing they got the guy - and it was you that tipped them off.

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