Criminal bike gangs . . . does it affect when you ride?

[ThunderGuts]

So I've been thinking about this more of late, particularly since some social media video coverage of two particularly concerning events happening locally (within 5 miles of home). Seems to be an increasing number of "bike gangs" actually targeting riders while out riding, surrounding them and taking their bikes off them. When you're outnumbered 5 to 1, unless you manage to escape (not easy unless you want to take your life in your hands by going berserk through busy urban environments, chances are the gang are willing to take greater risks and are used to it too) then it surely is going to be game over, either the bike or you and the bike.

Is it my perception, or a distorted perception through the readiness of social media, or is this sort of thing becoming more common? Does it affect where and when you ride? It does me to an extent; I used to happy tootle into the city centre for various things, but I'm a bit more wary of it now. Oddly enough I'm more comfortable about it on my bigger (and more valuable) bike that my little bike as they seem to target the latter, plus the former has a good turn of speed should there be the opportunity to make a sprint for it (unlikely!).
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TG.

[Nobby the Bastard]

It's not.really something I ever thought about before and i can't be bothered to start doing so now.
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trevor saxe-coburg-gotha:"Remember this simple rule - scooters are for men who like to feel the breeze on their huge, flapping cunt lips."
Triumph Sprint ST 1050

[MarJay]

Pre pandemic I regularly commuted into London and I was not too concerned. Apparently they are less of an issue now because of the couple of occasions when police used 'tactical contact'. I think the reason why they flourished is because of the tribal knowledge that the police can't do anything when they are on a bike. With that changed, they have cooled off a bit I reckon.

Even so I didn't worry too much, I was just prepared to move even if it wasn't strictly legal if I felt under threat. I don't think I was particularly frequenting the dangerous areas anyway.
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

[rpsmith79]

It does appear to a problem mostly associated with London, or at least thats the impression i get from the media

Oop Norf it's not a problem, or at least not the areas i ride in, though i know Sheffield (my birth town) has quite a big "Bike Life" scene these days, with mass road take-overs on offroad/illegal scramblers/quads etc (especially around Halloween), and static bike theft is rife in Sheffield, luckily not heard any reports of thefts/robberies whilst on a bike though
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Current Bike: Honda CG125 ES4 // Honda CB600FS Hornet // Triumph Street Triple R

[ThunderGuts]

Interesting. We get the usual nutters on 125s and 'peds screaming around, "bike life" if you like, but there is a particular gaggle which are a bit more sinister as they seem to be prepared to go a step beyond stealing stationary vehicles.

Maybe it's a perceived risk more than a real one; these days when I see a gaggle of "bike life" types out, I assume they're out to mug someone. Maybe they're generally not.
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TG.

[rpsmith79]

[c_dug]

I haven't heard of any gang thefts but then it isn't something I've ever kept track of. Even when theft was at it's peak it was never something that concerned me greatly to be honest.

Where are these videos? Let us have a look!
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I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.

[Easy-X]

You should be always "on your toes" in the City Not just bike theft but just wandering about perfectly innocently with a gazillion pound Rolex and iPhone 12 XXXXL
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Royal Enfield Continental GT 535, Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[Pete.]

[arry]

I've seen more than enough of it in London to know it's not just the poorer parts of it that have a problem. Despite living about 2 miles from it, I don't go anywhere inside the M25 except for an MOT, and I don't feel at all bad about that.

Lately the problem has made its way out here and there's been many, many diverse 2 up scooters doing the rounds. I have seen them on occasion eyeing up static bikes and there's been more than enough bike theft around here by those means. So far, no jackings that I know of, but it's only a matter of time.

[UncleFester]

Nada out this way so far!
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2017 Z1000SX

[thx1138]

yeah a little, not worried about my neighbourhood, but was very worried at times riding to and from trail ride meeting points

[MCN]

[Skudd]

Living in Murderside you are more aware of who is around you. When you fuel up your look out for kids and scooters just in case, Southport has been an issue lately. Same with stopping at traffic lights, you are always ready to go no matter what the lights say.
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Famous last words of Humpty Dumpty. " Stop pushing me "
Petty Anarchists look at "1984".............. The Visionary looks at "Animal Farm".

[Diggs]

Not in the least. A small part of me has always wanted to kill another human being just to see what it feels like...
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Now - Speed Triple, old ratty GS550, GSXR750M
Gone (in order of ownership) - Raleigh Runabout, AP50, KH125, GP125, KH250, CBX550, Z400, CB750FII, 250LC, GS550, ZXR750H1, Guzzi Targa, GSX750F, KH250 x2, Bimota SB6R and counting...

[MCN]

[JackButler]

[stinkwheel]

Happened to a mate in Edfinburgh. Group of scrotes came up and threatened him with a hammer when he was stopped at the lights. Needless to say, he did not remain stopped at the lights.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Robby]

Despite now living in one of the rougher parts of London, I haven't experienced of heard of much petty crime or vehicle theft around my way. Do see the occasional baaklavian, but they tend to look away when I look at them.

I wonder if they associate me with the look of the some of the organised crime around here and don't want to step on the wrong toes.

[Fat Angry Scotsman]

If a group of thieves stopped me to steal my bike I would let them take it and just go through the police and insurance, I'm not going to run the risk of getting done in over a bike. NCB protection ftw!
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PRESENT: 2018 BMW S1000XR SE Sport.
PAST: 2009 Kawasaki ER-6F. 2021 Zontes ZT-125U.

[TbirdX]

[Fat Angry Scotsman]

[bigdom86]

have heard of it but never seen it and I ride through some of the rougher areas around tulse hill, streatham etc in SE london, maybe around rush hour time is too early for them any way, have seen on occasion litre SS with no plates riding like maniacs though

[Hong Kong Phooey]

I know someone while in Manchester city centre had a few scrotes pull up next to him, they told him they were going to take the bike, he did a bit of avoidance riding and pulled into a car park they rode off. Could have been serious but why tell someone you're intent? Probably done it for the lolz.

I was riding near home, on my tatty old CBR. I saw two scrotes ahead coming towards me then pull in to a side street, turn around and start following, they then whizzed past a few cars to catch up. They abandoned as soon as they saw how old the bike was. Shame really, as I'd have liked to see how well a two up scooter could have done on a section of twisties. If they went off the road and ended up quadraspazzed against some dry stone wall, I'd have to back with a full petrol can and matches. It's the only way to be sure.
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'81 CG125, '97 FZS600 : '99 CBR600F4, '09 KTM RC8

[ThunderGuts]