Cycling UK Forum

Hi

I’m researching for an ITV documentary about bicycle crime and bicycle theft in London and the South East. Can anyone help me with the following areas?

· Have you ever had multiple bicycles stolen in London or the South East?

· Where in London would you never leave your bike locked for fear of theft?

· Do you know where stolen bikes are sold in London?

· Do you know any ex bike thief’s that would be willing to talk off camera about their experiences of stealing bikes?

If you would like to help us by taking part in this programme or know someone who would, please email bicyclecrime@itv.com or phone 0207 737 8947. Thank You.

Above post cleared by CTC.
Cheers
G

I live outside London, but I frequent a number of websites and fora.

One thing that repeatedly comes up is Brick Lane, and the (alleged?) activities of it's vendors.

This one is typical both in content and feeling

Would this be a useul angle?

I remember an article in A to B magazine a few years ago where someone who had his Brompton nicked, spotted it in Brick Lane. He plucked up courage and negotiated a test ride ( accompanied by a heavy from the shop ). He managed to cycle a little further away on each loop until he broke away . . . . pursued by the heavy. He escaped and recovered his bike.
. . . . better told by the article though

Brick lane is definitely a place for stolen bikes to be flogged. Not necessarily vendors only as kids who have managed to just get a bike stand around and generate interest in their hot rig. Get these guys on camera and you'll be doing a world of good. I have read more then one article/letter to cycling mags where stolen bikes were recovered by scoping out Brick Lane right after the bike was stolen. One booth had the bike displayed and when called on the fact that it was stolen denied that they even knew anything about the bike and the owner was free to walk away with it. I don't know why they didn't get the police involved and create a trap to nail these guys.

Andrew

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for your messages and advice. A lot of people have responded with good stories about the theft of their bikes and their stories about where they are being sold etc.

Considering the great response, we are going to be filming a day of brief interviews with cyclists about their experiences of bike theft. If you would like to take part, we will be filming on Waterloo Bridge on Friday April 20th, between 5pm and 7pm. For each person, it would take a maximum of 5 minutes and we would just ask you to briefly say what happened with your bike, where it was stolen, when it was stolen etc?

We will be there with Camera's and hopefully many cyclists, so head down and tell us what you think and have your chance to express your feelings about bike theft in the capital.

If you can't find us on the day, give us a call on either 07957 483 768 (Marc) or 07754 755 125 (Alex).

We look forward to seeing you there.