Theft from a secure (ish) car park in Westminster today

[Davemc37]

I parked up in q-park in Westminster today for about four hours and ended up walking back in with another biker around 4pm. It’s one of those secure underground car parks and we had to buzz in to get access and the lady on the other end of the intercom asked us for a bike number plate and arrival time before she would let us in.

Whilst I headed off downstairs the other chap had parked on the first floor and within twenty seconds I could hear some anguished cries. Turns out the guys disc locks were cut through then the bike stolen without anyone noticing. It’s quite strange as there are often really flash sports cars in there but I guess a bike or is easier to steal.

Admittedly it’s a quiet car park because it’s so bloody expensive for cars but there are usually lots of bikes in there because it is free and looks secure, compared to parking in the street bays around Westminster.

Nothing much more to add other than don’t relax on the security no matter where you are.
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born again biker with a mere 23 year gap between bikes.

[Ste]

Part and parcel.

The only real answer to the London bike theft moped scum acid throwing stabby stabby problems is to kill them all.

It's been proved that once they're dead, then they'll commit less crime.

All thieves must be killed.

[Polarbear]

[pepperami]

[Ste]

I can't condone torture.

All I can say is that they must die. I won't ask any questions if you don't ask any questions.

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Why is it free for bikes? Seems a bit odd if it's a private firm operating it and paying someone to staff and secure it, then only charging a fortune for cars and nothing for bikes?

Inside job? Why offer the free service for bikes?
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[LustyLew]

I believe Q Park run the carparks on behalf of Westminster City Council.

I do wonder if there some old bylaw that means motorcycles should not be charged a fee in these facilities. City of London owned car parks are the same.

I've parked in the China Town carpark a few times, never had issues. Guess it's luck of the drawer. Or the risk of staling a bike belonging to a Triad or Yakuza member might put the local ferals off!

[evilzed]

I'm pretty sure I've seen a vid of scooter thieves riding through barriers behind a car before to steal a bike in a secure parking lot, wouldn't be surprised at all.

I spoke to someone whose R6 was nicked from Stratford Westfield's parking lot, he said he chained it up with an Almax 16mm and they just cut it off and put it in a van.... So maybe a similar case here too

I'm the only one who uses locks at my current work parking lot and all the bikers look at me strangely for doing so haha, one of them tried convincing me it's super secure and nothing will get nicked but I'd rather not take the gamble.

[linuxyeti]

[DrDonnyBrago]

[sickpup]

[Itchy]

A side thought.

If it's advertised as secure parking and you get your vehicle stolen would they be liable?

As presumably you park there because it is secure. Surely putting into the T&C that they accept no responsibility would be contradictory to the service they are offering?
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[evilzed]

I'm pretty sure the London carparks don't accept liability, it's more to do with finding a place to park than for security, at least it was like that when I was working in Soho, it was really challenging finding parking there on a bike let-alone a car. I never used QPark though, there was one near where I worked.

EDIT just saw this hmmmmm
https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=299942

[Ste]

[BusterGonads]

[Ste]

Not just bike thieves. All thieves.

I care less about people stealing from Tescos and the like but stealing from individuals or small businesses should not be tolerated.

If people want to take this as a recommendation to kill thieves then so be it but if you do, at least make an effort to not get caught.

[stevo as b4]

There's only so much effort you can put in, or precautions you can take not to get caught though. These things always happen when your not expecting it, and I dare say some kills are totally by accident too.

If you can avoid being on cctv when you confront or ambush the theives then that's about the best you can do in any urban environment. I expect they'll always be a do Gooder, or nosy neighbour ready to squeal to the law as soon as your back is turned. And also your not going to lumber yourself with a stiff in your garage for days, while you plan an elaborate disposal out of sight etc.

Its best to hope to hurt and not kill the scum in some ways, and if you can scare them away or intimidate them it's the preferred option, not that in a sudden situation unfolding that you'll have much choice. Im sure there must be several dozen people a year who die trying to defend their property or trying to put down theives.

[Ste]

Anything other than killing them all is a half measure at best.

Remember, thieves commit less crime when they're dead.

[pepperami]

The problem is with any confrontation with baddies is that after the incident, they will be away.
Wether they are arrested or escape,they are not dead and that means later they will have the opportunity to return.

Maybe there is a good case for voting that all scrotes be killed

Hmmm? This is a conundrum?
Hobbling possibly?
Or we could take into account their disadvantaged upbringing and try to understand them and their feelings of isolation
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[6r4h4m]

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[Jewlio Rides Again LLB]

Most does not mean the same thing as all.
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[sickpup]