Hey guys, just to let you know and make you aware about incidents happening near DW Sports Fitness/Store in Derby Pride Park. I go to the gym after lunch and normally take the bus to get there and walk for about 10 minutes to reach the gym or store but my student bus pass expired and need to wait 3weeks to be able to ride the bus again.
I decided to borrow my sister's bike for a while for just exactly 15 days as it's just 15 minutes bike ride from home going to the gym. I was a bit hesitant and scared because I know there are lots of incidents in the city centre and was thinking that there might be some in pride park but I had no choice.
I parked my bike at around 2pm at one of the thick handles mounted to the floor specifically designed for bikes, it's actually in front of the door of DW Sports store thinking that many people pass by that area every now and then. And just in case someone's try to steal it, it would be noticed on the spot. I chained the body including the front wheel of the bike. I even double checked the lock (its a combination lock number), before going inside the gym. At around 2:30pm all gym members went out because of the fire drill. I still saw it there parked but when I finished the gym at around 5pm, it's gone. Unfortunately, there's no CCTV in the area. I asked some staffs of the store and even the reception of the building if they see someone taking my bike. I described to them what it looks like but unfortunately, they didn't notice anyone. I just filled up an incident report and called the police, although I know it's impossible to have it back but still I did it so that the police are aware about what's happening on that area.
By the way when I went back I saw a red bike parked where I actually parked my bike, it has no lock. It was just there for 15 minutes. I asked around whose bike it is, but they don't know. I was thinking that it is the thief's bike or probably swap it over with mine but of course I didn't take it. I just left it there. It was just an assumption as I don't know what to think.
I thought I need to walk back home for 45 minutes but luckily, my brother in law is in pride park and I just walked for 15 minutes to reach him and he drove me home.
My sister was pissed off so I'm planning to buy the exact model. It's actually £240 at Hawk in London road and need to buy a secured D lock for £38 (D lock with chain). By the way, do you know any bicycle store who sell this kind of bike (Amacco 15/26 Scoozi). Actually the stolen bike was just used for 5x so its completely new. I asked the store if I can get a discount for student but they said NO discount even if we already purchased 4 bikes from them. I hope you can let me know if you know other stores who have the same make and model but offer it on a lower price or give discounts at least.
Right now I'm planning to borrow my brother in law's bike for a while. I called my gym if I can park it inside the gym's premises but they didn't let me eventhough I already told them the incident and it's only temporary.:-( (but I saw there employee carrying his bike inside, I guess it's a privilege for their staffs)
This is how the bike looks like (The image is not showing up during preview so I just included the link)
http://www.cycleking.co.uk/image_popup.php?product_id=328
I can actually notice it on the spot if I see it:
First, I haven't seen anyone with this make and model of bike here in derby. Second, I replaced the seat with a wider, thicker and softer saddle. Third, the back wheel's air pump(I'm not sure what this is called) is bent.
[img] http://www.cycleking.co.uk/image_popup.php?product_id=328 [/img]
P.S. Sorry for the long story..