Although bike theft has always been common in Morgantown, sadly, it is getting much worst. We frequently have people coming into Positive Spin whose bikes have been stolen.

We have items stolen from us all the time such as donations people leave outside when we are not open, even though we have a sign up telling people not to do this, and cannibalization of overflow bikes we have to keep outside due to room issues. Recently we had about 10 low-level parts frames stolen that were left outside our shop. While not a significant loss, it is somewhat annoying that people steal from a nonprofit whose mission is to get people on bikes regardless of their income level. For the people who are involved in this type of behavior, they are usually financing addictions, whereas, riding a bike is definitely not part of their agenda. On the other hand, thanks to the Morgantown Police Department, we received a large delivery this year from bike chop shop that was run by folk who are now in jail, so there is justice.

Do keep a copy of your bikes serial #, and report stolen bikes at https://bikeindex.org/. One of our volunteers who had his bike stolen is exploring hiding a GPS bike tracker device inside his current bike. From a portability and security perspective, if you must park your bike outside for a long period of time, U-locks are preferable to a cable locks, although they can be cut, too. This looks like a good read: http://thebestbikelock.com/best-bike-lock/u-lock-vs-chain-lock/

-Jonathan

On 2018-07-09 01:02, Christiaan Abildso via Bikeboard wrote:

MTB was stolen off of my back porch sometime between 9pm July 7 and midnight the next day (July 8-9). I just noticed it, cable lock was severed. The bike is white, Cannondale brand, Trail 6 model, with blue & black lettering, 29 inch tires. It has an ABRA sticker on it, 2 water bottle cages & a hand pump. I have pictures of the bike attached. Two old pics & one from Saturday after the GRUSK.

Please keep your eyes open. Thanks! Christiaan

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