Stolen Bicycles in Chicago.

So your bicycle was stolen in Chicago and you're trying to figure out what to do...

My experience is that dealing with CPD is a little frustrating. The fact is, they have real problems to deal with, so taking resources away to look for a bike isn't realistic. They just don't have a lot of success recovering stolen bikes.

It is also my experience that most people don't have a record of their bicycle serial number. Sometimes the police won't even take a report if you don't have the serial number, and forget trying to collect your bicycle from the police if you don't have some proof of ownership.

It also helps to have other ways to prove ownership. Mr. Bike suggests putting a card with your name and phone number in a baggie and sticking it in the seat post or handlebars. I tend to carve my initials in the bottom bracket or on the shop sticker, but it is always best to have a record of the serial number and a receipt of purchase.

The easiest way to keep your bike from being stolen is to properly lock it, but if you're reading this post you've probably already been the victim...

There are several things you can do in attempt to recover a stolen bicycle:

1) Craigslist. Check Craigslist for your bicycle. If you find your bicycle on Craigslist expect that the person selling your bicycle will be suspicious becuase they are selling a stolen bicycle. You'll have to make your own decision about how to handle the situation, but I have heard of more than a couple instances of people tipping off a would-be-thief-salesman, never to see their bicycles again. If you can, set up a meeting in a public area, and call to invite the police. Sometimes they are interested in busting a bike thief red handed.

2) Flea Markets. I have also heard of more than a couple people recovering their stolen bicycles at flea markets. A popular destination for stolen bikes these days is the Ashland Swap-O-Rama or the Maxwell Street market.

3) Stolen Bike Registry. Admittedly I haven't heard a lot of success stories about bicycles being recovered through the stolen bike registry, but it can't hurt to list it, and it doesn't take long.

4) The Chain Link is also a good spot to let others know. If someone spots your ride they can tip you off to it's location.