The problem is spreading

The news and your views about biking
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Kwacky
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The problem is spreading

Post by Kwacky »

On Monday on my way home from work, as I was about 2 miles away from home, I spotted 2 muppets on a scooter. Both had their faces covered with what looked like a woolly hat pulled down with the eyes cut out. One was wearing sunglasses. I shouldn't laugh but my first thought was "he looks like FoneJacker".

They clocked me as they turned right and slowed, watching me as I rode off.

Yesterday near the same place I saw what looked like the same scooter but with someone totally different on it. He was just whizzing about in traffic, no helmet, face not covered, shorts and a t shirt.

Last night I went to the gym. I took my son as he was doing some boxing. As we were driving along the main road, from my left two more muppets on a scooter (no helmet, faces covered) were trying to turn right out of a side road on to a main road.

I made the next left turn only to come face to face with 4 twots on quads, riding the wrong way directly towards the oncoming traffic.

I was hoping Birmingham would escape the plague of thieves on scooters, but it looks like it's starting to take off.

I'll have to be more vigilant when I'm riding the bike.
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C00kiemonster
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Re: The problem is spreading

Post by C00kiemonster »

Feck - I'm sure your already slightly paranoid about it and rightly so.

Its also having a strategy if you are attacked I suppose - ride off or grab the keys and lock the steering?

Tbh it makes the case for having a shit bike for commuting that you really dont care about.

Stay safe..
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Cav
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Re: The problem is spreading

Post by Cav »

Definitely stay safe and vigiliant. I would also consider riding with a camera on your person at all times.

Maybe get a tracker fitted too incase you are ever a victim and they do successfully get your bike?
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Kwacky
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Re: The problem is spreading

Post by Kwacky »

There's an estate at the back of Kings Heath called Allens Croft. I think they're coming from there. That's the quickest way home for me but I've always avoided it.

I've no idea what I would do if I'm attacked. You can plan it in your mind but it depends on the circumstances. Since the outbreak of bike thefts in London I've started to be a bit more wary. If I'm ever stuck in traffic I have the bike at an angle so I can ride off and I'm always in my mirrors to see if anything is coming up behind me.
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Kwacky
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Re: The problem is spreading

Post by Kwacky »

Cav wrote:Definitely stay safe and vigiliant. I would also consider riding with a camera on your person at all times.

Maybe get a tracker fitted too incase you are ever a victim and they do successfully get your bike?
Yep, both good ideas. I started using a camera on the bike but it wasn't up the job. I might get a proper one like a go-pro.

I think my next bike will have a tracker.
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Re: The problem is spreading

Post by Stonesie »

I have a drift ghost s that i don't use if you're interested, got 4 batteries and a desk charger too.

Theres a few on stolen scooters around here too, no helmets or regard for anyone else, they even play chicken with lorries.
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Kwacky
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Re: The problem is spreading

Post by Kwacky »

Yes mate, drop me a PM with some details. Cheers (y)
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Re: The problem is spreading

Post by duke63 »

Kwacky wrote:There's an estate at the back of Kings Heath called Allens Croft. I think they're coming from there. That's the quickest way home for me but I've always avoided it.

I've no idea what I would do if I'm attacked. You can plan it in your mind but it depends on the circumstances. Since the outbreak of bike thefts in London I've started to be a bit more wary. If I'm ever stuck in traffic I have the bike at an angle so I can ride off and I'm always in my mirrors to see if anything is coming up behind me.
Head for the busiest area you can, so someone might help you out.
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Re: The problem is spreading

Post by Kwacky »

I've got a 120 db horn on the bike, that's going off as soon as anyone dodgy approaches. I'll play it by ear after that.
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Re: The problem is spreading

Post by Jack »

could you get away with carrying a letter opener ?

Image
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Kwacky
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Re: The problem is spreading

Post by Kwacky »

a well placed kick in the balls is going to be my weapon of choice :D
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Re: The problem is spreading

Post by Cav »

I did wonder about carrying a breaker bar on you (and keeping your back wheel nut under the seat for legal purposes) in case you get attacked too...
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Re: The problem is spreading

Post by kiwikrasher »

Bloody bullsh*t you have to even consider strategies for a potential thief event. Feel you you guys over there, it’s not something I’ve ever heard of happening here in Oz.
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Re: The problem is spreading

Post by Monty »

kiwikrasher wrote:Bloody bullsh*t you have to even consider strategies for a potential thief event. Feel you you guys over there, it’s not something I’ve ever heard of happening here in Oz.
I'll take scooter boy over those bloody spiders any day of the week
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Re: The problem is spreading

Post by Blade »

Best defence is some tie wraps and a match. Easy to carry also.

Handcuff the scum to the bike and drop a match in the tank. Job done. Scumbag ended and message sent to the others steal and you burn.

All joking aside it needs a proper response from.the Police. Target the gangs and remove them from the streets.
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Re: The problem is spreading

Post by Cav »

They're targetting too many well organised and fairly smart criminals without enough force.

One problem at a time would be better if they aren't going to recruit the necessary number of officers
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Re: The problem is spreading

Post by Rossgo »

This is this problem isnt it. These scum are no longer following you to your home, they are just happy to pull up next to you and push you off and ride off with your bike. Stay safe buddy

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Re: The problem is spreading

Post by Frankie »

That bugger followed us from France lol.......

Not easy to plan for, hopefully it does not happen, but the sad thing is having to think about when you stop at lights a stuff. Not only are we having to keep our eyes widen open Andy senses on high alert while riding it's called for when we are stopped.

I have been locking my car doors including Boot for years in London, I do tend to visit some shit holes... now the cars does it anyway by default.

Sad world really :(
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Re: The problem is spreading

Post by kiwikrasher »

Monty wrote:
kiwikrasher wrote:Bloody bullsh*t you have to even consider strategies for a potential thief event. Feel you you guys over there, it’s not something I’ve ever heard of happening here in Oz.
I'll take scooter boy over those bloody spiders any day of the week
I can squish spiders with the heel of my boot. Scooter Boys not so easy or legal to do the same!
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Re: The problem is spreading

Post by Monty »

You can’t apply logic to phobia

[video]https://youtu.be/wK74Rst_ul0[/video]
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