Thank you for asking the question and for sharing the information that you have found out. I see no need for anyone to apologise for asking cycling questions here and doubtless others - I have - will also gain something from the thread.
In my experience it’s possible to reduce the likelihood of theft and that might be enough for you to retain your possessions for a very long time. However if a sufficiently skilled and determined thief is aware of a desirable item then it will eventually get lifted by someone. My philosophy is: don’t have obviously desirable items, don’t display desirable items and do keep items as well secured as is practical. Leaving a desirable bike in a public place does display something that’s worth the risk and bother of stealing (it may or may not get noticed by a skilled, determined and active thief) so have good locks (to deter the less able), be prepared to get the bus home and be prepared to face the loss. It sounds like you have the locks, the bus fare and the attitude needed.