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Post by mgtimothy on Aug 15, 2007 9:38:43 GMT 8
...or a bike that looks like it. Some of you guys may remember that I had a bike stolen last year, a red giant xtc team. Recently I saw a similar-looking one, and I followed it. When I caught up, I told the owner (very very tactfully!) my story, gave him a picture of my old bike (on which is written the serial number, components, and my contact info... see pic below), and asked (very very politely!) if we could check his frame's serial number. But suddenly he got offended, told me he bought the bike at a nearby shop (which he later changed to "pinadala mula sa states"). I explained, in a very non-accusing manner, that I am not accusing him of stealing my bike, but simply that he may have bought a stolen one. But he just flared up and refused to show the serial number, saying "hinde, hinde ako magpapa-bintang nang ganyan..." (or something to that effect). Anyway, what would you guys have done? If you were me, would you have done it differently? Or if you were him, would you have reacted the same? Because if someone comes to me and asks to see my bike's serial number, and he said it politely enough, and he showed me his old bike's serial number first, I'd oblige. Biker to biker. But maybe that's just me. the picture i gave... and also what i've been handing out to bike shops the past few months
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Post by glockbiker on Aug 15, 2007 11:41:28 GMT 8
I think that's about it. Unless the bike was never altered in any way and looks exactly like the one in your picture (nandun pa yung sticker ng pangalan mo for example) you have a strong case.
It would be better if he could be accosted by a person of authority (ex. lespu, barangay). If he declines, he immediately becomes a suspect. But in your situation, enlisting their help was not possible.
BTW, there are bike thieves who operate on that kind of modus operandi. They will flag you down and say that they lost a bike that looks exactly the one you're riding. They'll accuse you of stealing their bike and on the pretext of taking you to the lespu, they'll take it away from you.
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Post by nell7806 on Aug 15, 2007 12:45:56 GMT 8
BTW, there are bike thieves who operate on that kind of modus operandi. They will flag you down and say that they lost a bike that looks exactly the one you're riding. They'll accuse you of stealing their bike and on the pretext of taking you to the lespu, they'll take it away from you. sir any known case and area where this is rampant???
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savers
All-Mountain Rider
Posts: 163
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Post by savers on Aug 15, 2007 13:31:47 GMT 8
me too, i am not familiar of this scheme... anybody who was victimized by this Modus Operandi?
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Post by Alphabolt on Aug 15, 2007 23:05:43 GMT 8
This is for the ones accosted:
well ..with the sosi looking thieves nowadays ..who can tell!
but its better to use your grey matter when accosted..first take the picture of the person with your phonecam [this would rattle any scam artist]..if the look of the fellow is ok naman, tell him that you can sort it out by going to the nearest tanod / lespu outpost and he can check the serial number there .
worst case go to a respectable mall and ask for a roving guard to watch over you as you and the accuser check the serial number
which reminds me...we should all know our bikes' serial numbers [ recorder in our phones or in a slip of paper] This will simplify the process and make you better prepared to answer back
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Post by Alphabolt on Aug 15, 2007 23:11:08 GMT 8
This is for the accusing party:
show your picture + talk to the biker in a respectful manner and tone ... but be firm in your request
Propose that you both go to the nearest guard / tanod / lespu for the serial number check
if he says no...tell him to reconsider and to imagine if he were you (who lost your bike)
If he is still unconvinced...tell him he is not cooperating and is then a suspect [take his photo with your phone cam] then call the guard
if you made a mistake after [different serial number], then at least you did your best rather than let the opportunity to find your bike pass
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Post by glockbiker on Aug 16, 2007 13:39:50 GMT 8
nell7806It happened way back in 2001 at Maginhawa St., Sikatuna Village. I don't know if this modus operandi is still used today but you know how crafty criminals can be. Our newbie friend was flagged down by two men who defintely didn't look like bikers. One of them claimed, "Brad, ganyan na ganyan yung bike na ninakaw sa akin!" (That looks exactly like the bike stolen from me!). But our friend was riding a rare, imported Bianchi XC full-sus bike! Our friend replied, "AH, GANUN?!" (Really?!) and pedalled all out to get away from them. He immediately smelled trouble had the presence of mind to escape. Good thing they didn't run after him.
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oceanrider88
Free Rider
Life is like riding a wave. To keep your balance you must keep moving.
Posts: 299
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Post by oceanrider88 on Aug 28, 2007 22:29:31 GMT 8
I would have inflated his ego first by telling him how great his bike was. Then i would have asked him to flip the bike over to check the serial if his frame was from a newer or older aluminum or whatever techno bullsh*t i could come up with and would flatter him even more. Then, once confirmed that it was mine, i would ask if i could buy it at an unbelievable price that he cannot refuse. Then, as we dont carry that much money anyway, would politely request for his cell number and address and sked a meeting time at his home to buy the bike. Then, call the cops and bust the f*cker!
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Post by mgtimothy on Aug 29, 2007 17:27:43 GMT 8
I would have inflated his ego first by telling him how great his bike was. Then i would have asked him to flip the bike over to check the serial if his frame was from a newer or older aluminum or whatever techno bullsh*t i could come up with and would flatter him even more. Then, once confirmed that it was mine, i would ask if i could buy it at an unbelievable price that he cannot refuse. Then, as we dont carry that much money anyway, would politely request for his cell number and address and sked a meeting time at his home to buy the bike. Then, call the cops and bust the f*cker! Ooohh... cool.... why didn't I think of this? Will definitely try this one next time! Very creative!
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leflea
Free Rider
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Posts: 327
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Post by leflea on Aug 30, 2007 22:50:30 GMT 8
...or a bike that looks like it. Some of you guys may remember that I had a bike stolen last year, a red giant xtc team. Recently I saw a similar-looking one, and I followed it. When I caught up, I told the owner (very very tactfully!) my story, gave him a picture of my old bike (on which is written the serial number, components, and my contact info... see pic below), and asked (very very politely!) if we could check his frame's serial number. .... the picture i gave... and also what i've been handing out to bike shops the past few months sad to hear stories of stolen bikes... don't want it to happen to me. what happened afterwards, did the guy just pedalled away after refusing? OT: mgtimothy... seems you're online again. when are we going to padyak to q.c.?
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Post by mgtimothy on Sept 7, 2007 23:03:38 GMT 8
...or a bike that looks like it. Some of you guys may remember that I had a bike stolen last year, a red giant xtc team. Recently I saw a similar-looking one, and I followed it. When I caught up, I told the owner (very very tactfully!) my story, gave him a picture of my old bike (on which is written the serial number, components, and my contact info... see pic below), and asked (very very politely!) if we could check his frame's serial number. .... the picture i gave... and also what i've been handing out to bike shops the past few months sad to hear stories of stolen bikes... don't want it to happen to me. what happened afterwards, did the guy just pedalled away after refusing? OT: mgtimothy... seems you're online again. when are we going to padyak to q.c.? Yep, he just pedalled away. Bahala na. Everyone will get their due one way or another... Padyak to QC? Hehe, busy lately, so haven't had much time for leisure rides except for rounds up and down the Boyscout site in UPLB Tell me when you're planning such a ride, I'll try to join
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Post by jr on Sept 7, 2007 23:14:06 GMT 8
I would have inflated his ego first by telling him how great his bike was. Then i would have asked him to flip the bike over to check the serial if his frame was from a newer or older aluminum or whatever techno bullsh*t i could come up with and would flatter him even more. Then, once confirmed that it was mine, i would ask if i could buy it at an unbelievable price that he cannot refuse. Then, as we dont carry that much money anyway, would politely request for his cell number and address and sked a meeting time at his home to buy the bike. Then, call the cops and bust the f*cker! Good idea..if you think it was yours. pretend to feel the weight seat on on it then pedal away ;D ;D. But..mostly person own a stolen bike they were insecure and not trusting anybody.
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Post by knobbyist on Sept 7, 2007 23:29:19 GMT 8
Good idea..if you think it was yours. pretend to feel the weight seat on on it then pedal away ;D ;D. hehehe! IMHO best idea so far. ;D ;D ;D
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Post by flipnidaho on Sept 8, 2007 0:43:52 GMT 8
Some ideas from back in the day: Etch your name and contact information on your fork's steerer tube (that goes inside the headtube) with a reward if a wrench calls you with the bike information if found. Typically, the mechanics we go to know us by name so they won't call. This is more for "if your bike ever gets stolen and is being repaired somewhere else". You can also do the same on your seatpost. Back when we had threaded steerer tubes, I used to just drop a card into the steerer tube with my contact information.
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Post by superandroid17 on Jun 13, 2008 7:53:57 GMT 8
...or a bike that looks like it. Some of you guys may remember that I had a bike stolen last year, a red giant xtc team. Recently I saw a similar-looking one, and I followed it. When I caught up, I told the owner (very very tactfully!) my story, gave him a picture of my old bike (on which is written the serial number, components, and my contact info... see pic below), and asked (very very politely!) if we could check his frame's serial number. But suddenly he got offended, told me he bought the bike at a nearby shop (which he later changed to "pinadala mula sa states"). I explained, in a very non-accusing manner, that I am not accusing him of stealing my bike, but simply that he may have bought a stolen one. But he just flared up and refused to show the serial number, saying "hinde, hinde ako magpapa-bintang nang ganyan..." (or something to that effect). Anyway, what would you guys have done? If you were me, would you have done it differently? Or if you were him, would you have reacted the same? Because if someone comes to me and asks to see my bike's serial number, and he said it politely enough, and he showed me his old bike's serial number first, I'd oblige. Biker to biker. But maybe that's just me. the picture i gave... and also what i've been handing out to bike shops the past few months Timothy, I know that person you are referring to and he is a well-respected man in our place. I was there when he bought the Giant xtc frame in the LBS here. The original owner of the bike frame bought it BRAND NEW in a bike shop in the USA, bought it home, but he never got the chance to build it coz of a very busy work. So he just requested the LBS owner here if he could just display the Giant xtc frame (still in the box) in his shop for prospective buyers. It was on display for several months (almost a year I think and you might have seen it there when you visited the shop) until that guy bought it and built the bike. So I'm 100% sure its not your bike. Sorry Btw, according to that guy, your approach to him was not that polite that's why he reacted that way. Tip: Don't suddenly accuse a person of stealing your bike if you are not 100% sure its yours.
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Post by ztnom13 on Jun 15, 2008 0:10:44 GMT 8
i would have done the same as oceanrider. get his good side first so you can make kilatis the bike specially by commenting on his parts.
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