Schwinn Deluxe 7 Cruiser (2005 remake of 1955 model)

What happened

The bike was locked to a tree only a few feet away from my ground-floor apartment window where I was at the time it was stolen. I had taken my dog out to pee around 2 PM and the bike was there, went outside again around 9 PM and it was gone. A coworker remembers driving by around 6 PM and it was already gone; she noticed because the bike is distinctive and she assumed I was out grocery shopping. I was less than 20 feet away from the bike at the time of the theft and they didn't make enough noise to alert me, even though it's an unwieldy bike that makes a lot of sounds when it moves. (There is construction in the neighborhood, and I'm sure in retrospect some sounds that I thought were from the rehab next door was actually my bike being stolen.) Reported to police immediately. I have the original purchase receipt (gift giver gave it to me in case service needed, etc), am searching through old paperwork for bike ticket with serial number.

Bike details

Type

Cruiser / Comfort Bike

Color

green & white

Condition

Very good but not pristine condition, has been my only bike for 5.5 years and has a few small scars to prove it. Standard black cargo rack over rear fender has been removed and two silvertone metal (aluminum???) baskets have been bolted "permanently" (frame slightly modified by bike shop to accomodate) in its place. Top of basket wrapped with black 3M reflective tape, right basket deformed from impact with car door. Red enamel ladybug bell on handlebars and green lightweight decorative-only "snake biting his tail" lock on frame. (Was actually locked with heavy black U-lock & cable.) Very unusual looking bike; people constantly yell comments from the sidewalk/car whenever I'm riding it. Heavy steel frame. Whitewall tires. Has horn that can sound by pressing a button on the "tank" on the frame. Was a birthday present, and I love(d) it a lot. :(

Serial #

looking for paperwork, will update when found

Theft circumstances

Date

Nov 19, 2011

Lock type

Other

Locked to

Other situation, please describe below.

How locked

Only the frame was locked a solid object.

How defeated

Lock is missing, along with the bike.

Duration

Bike was locked to a large tree that is still intact. Heavy cable around tree to heavy Ulock on bike. Have locked it there occasionally on & off because it's so difficult to get the large heavy bike through doors/around corners/down stairs to storage. Th

Area

Front of building in residential area.

Police report #

HT596880