I parked my bike in the cycle stands in the middle of High Holborn this morning at 08:45. I came back an hour later, and …

It was still there! But the bike that was locked to the other side of the rack wasn’t. I had locked my bike frame to the stand with a decent U-lock, and threaded a steel cable through the wheels to prevent someone unbolting them (I don’t have quick releases). The cable (10mm thick braided steel) had been cleanly sliced through.

Things I’ve learned:

  • Kryptonite Evolution Mini U-locks work.
  • Kryptonite Kryptoflex cables aren’t worth a damn.
  • Even in broad daylight, in the middle of a busy street, next to a well-trafficked pedestrian crossing, thieves can work with impunity.

I don’t feel too concerned about the loss of the cable, because it’s obviously useless, but I’m still angry about the prevalence of bicycle theft.

Maybe the only solution is vigilantism. Hack bike + cheap lock + angry mob + secateurs for the win, anyone?