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This viral video might change your mind if you’re unsure about investing in a proper bicycle lock system.
A 14-second video online shows a bicycle thief using an angle grinder to cut through a bike lock like a hot knife through butter.
In the blink of an eye, the hooded thief stole a bicycle in broad daylight while people walked past, and a bystander filmed him.
The incident reportedly took place on Redchurch Street in Shoreditch, London.
The X account, named, London & UK Street News (@CrimeLdn), shared the clip with fellow Londoners commenting that this is sadly a very common sight.
“Right by Columbia Road flower market. There has been rampant bike theft round there for over a decade,” YouTuber Tom Rowsell wrote.
Street artist Joe Bloggs added, “And if you challenge him, he would use the grinder on your skull. Believe me, you don’t want that.”
We recently asked fellow cyclists whether angle grinder-proof locks exist and, if they do not, what cyclists can do to keep their bicycles secure.
The bad news is that there aren’t any bike locks that are entirely angle grinder-proof, but with technology rapidly advancing, multiple locks offer steel-tough protection, and there are many ways to keep your trusty steed safe from the grubby hands of bicycle thieves.
The new generation of bicycle locks is made from hardened material and designed to be very difficult and time-consuming to cut with an angle grinder.
These locks can deter thieves, as they are less likely to target a bike that is well-locked with a resistant lock.
Materials capable of resisting angle grinders are often too heavy or cumbersome for everyday use, making the lock less practical for cyclists. Additionally, enhancing a lock’s resistance usually increases its cost, making it less accessible for the average bike owner. This delicate balance between security and practicality remains a central dilemma in the development of theft-resistant bike locks.
ALSO READ: How to Prevent Bike Theft: 17 Priceless Bicycle Security Tips
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