"Londoner"

What happened

Locked the bike to a street sign in a pinch because there were a lot of other bikes around. Many people were out on the street. Went into a space up the street to see a performance and when I came out the bike was gone. The screws at the bottom of the sign had been removed. A small kryptonite U-lock was around the front part of the frame; I don't believe it was broken, just slid off. It's a very distinctive bike (more pictures are here on the Lugs bike shop blog. http://lugschicago.blogspot.com/2010_07_01_archive.html). I feel terrible for not locking it more carefully. I really love this bike.

Bike details

Type

Road Bike

Color

Yellow

Size

52cm

Condition

Single speed golden yellow bike called "The Londoner". Wooden back rack. brown leather seat and handlebar tape. Single front brake.

Theft circumstances

Date

Aug 27, 2011

Lock type

Other

Locked to

Locked to street sign.

How locked

Only the frame was locked a solid object.

How defeated

Object that bike was locked to was broken, removed, or otherwise compromised.

Duration

3 hours

Area

Sidewalk in front of an open business.

Recovery notes

Bike was stolen Saturday 8/27. Local shop owners collaborated to identify suspect and inform same that they were captured on security camera, and offered suspect opportunity to avoid arrest by returning bike. Suspected thief returned bike to liquor store on Sunday. Bike had some minor damage including broken badge and pump peg from apparently unsuccessful attempt to remove U-lock from frame. U-lock had various marks as if a variety of strategies had been attempted, including apparent attempt to drill out hole.