nearly stolen bike

Michael Klontzas wrote:

Now the problem is that because the d-lock was so abused, I couldn't
unlock it and when I called 999 and the local police station basically
they told me it was my problem.

I suspect in part because you used 999 for an non-emergency situation.

So, I had to leave it there for the rest
of the night and assuming that it is still there in the morning (which is
debatable, particularly as the rear wheel is unsecured) I suppose I
should contact an ironmonger (there is one right across the street!), get
them to cut through my d-lock with an angle grinder, release what's left
of the bike and take it to a bike shop for assessment etc.

Now I am wondering:

a) what are the chances of the frame/fork being repaired? Or is it a
write-off? I believe that dented aluminium frames are not safe.
b) has any anyone had a similar experience with an ironmonger? Would they
do that (at a reasonable cost)? A friend told me he had to do it himself
once and it was remarkably easy -- I wish his angle grinder didn't need
to be plugged to the mains.
c) any other suggestions?
d) why would anyone try to steal a bike that is going to be seriously
damaged and become worthless in the process?


Take some photographs, contact Squire to ask what they suggest and the
insurance company to see if they will accept the photographs as evidence
so you don't have to recover it. If they will, strip the frame of
anything useful and leave it locked up. Someone will remove it
eventually If they won't and its a write off, its much easier to cut
the frame than the lock - a hacksaw will do the job.


--
Tony

"The best way I know of to win an argument is to start by being in the
right."
- Lord Hailsham