Who Stole My Fiance's Bike?

Recently, I was struck with anger after my fiancé told me that her town cruiser was stolen. I should clarify that her cruiser has a maximum value of $49.68. The sole reason she purchased the bike was to help out the environment. She wanted to ride to work instead of drive. And, someone stole it! They took it off the rack, road it (probably drunk) and forgot about the fact that someone paid for and wanted this bike. Now she, along with others who have experienced thievery, has to deal with buying a new bike. Naturally, it will probably be my pocketbook taking the hit (I love my fiancé).

I can relate to her predicament, on a more personal level. About three years ago, I awoke one morning and couldn’t find my car, the bikes attached to it nor any other items that were once apart of my mobile suitcase – Ford Explorer. I was in shock for about two hours. Then I did what everyone else must do – I filed a police report. The cops came to the door, asked me questions and then told me not to expect the car, or the bikes, to come back home (I was in Albuquerque at the time). Again, the shock, but I pulled through it for a couple more hours. It became a lesson in letting things go. I was Zen.

About 10 hours later I called my cell phone, which was in my stolen car at the time. It rang and rang. Then someone answered it! I told them they were talking to the person whose car they just stole. The person hung up. What did this mean? Could I trace the call? Would I be able to find my car? At this point, any development was a step in the right direction. I called again – I really wanted to check my messages. A woman answered. Before I could release a wave of profanity, the woman on the other end calmly asked me to settle down. She said she was a member of the Albuquerque police department. She asked me if this was my car. I asked about the bikes. She said one bike was there, but it appeared as if another one had been broken off the rack. I asked her if the remaining bike was a road bike. She said yes – again, the shock. My new mountain bike had been stolen!

I ended up on the good end of a very back stick. Insurance covered all of my damage and theft. However, some of us lose everything in situations like mine. There are those who don’t own a car. They end up losing their transportation, if their bike is stolen. According to the National Bike Registry, it is estimated that 1.5 million bikes are stolen every year. That statistic is staggering. So, what does it mean to have your bike stolen? How did you feel when your loss equated to no work transportation?

Please email me or post your story.

Remember to lock your bike!