I had my first MTB when I returned to cycling in 2001 nicked in 2002 and it really pissed me off, not so much the value of the machine but it had been built for me by squatters as I had wired in their electric cooker in Winter and checked all their heating kit and wiring for safety..
won’t the cops just seize the bike, bring it back to you once you’ve ID’d it and nick the thieves? (I keep a list of all the frame numbers and components on my bikes)
As daft says you can get done quite seriously for taking matters into your own hands, better to have your own bike back than to have to queue up for one what doesn’t go anywhere in prison gym – (and with the chance that friends of the scum what nicked it are in the same slammer as you!) – plus you’re risking your mates business being closed down on data protection breaches.. the feds in the East are very clued up about the “DIY justice” culture here as it leads to a lot of serious violence in the region…
I keep the more valuable of my bikes inside the house (they are worth more than the carpet!)
