[Closed] The skunklock!

I like this:

VanMoof offers a £270, three-year service, that will send a team out to chase down your stolen bike.
If they don't find it within two weeks the company will replace the bike for free.

Not really a scalable business model though!

Both are good deterents but as we all know, bike thieves just get a slap on the wrist and within 3 months they are back at it again.

I'd be surprised if that Skunk lock was legal in Uk. Even with warnings I don't think its legal to assault people in such a way. I'm not making a moral judgement by the way, but I understand the law does not allow such things.

I had a VanMoof for a little while - Picked up second hand for an absolute bargain.
Great features and almost the perfect commuter - mudguards, chain guard, built in lock, front and rear basket, inbuilt lights, gear hub and brakes etc.

On the downside the ride quality was absolutely hideous.

Even with warnings I don’t think its legal to assault people in such a way.

How the hell is emitting a smell "assaulting" anyone?!
I'd like to see the legal history on criminal convictions for that!

How the hell is emitting a smell “assaulting” anyone?!

Well, I looked it up. Seems to me it could fall under the description of ABH.
CPS guidance

The offence is committed when a person intentionally or recklessly assaults another, thereby causing Actual Bodily Harm. It must be proved that the assault (which includes “battery”) “occasioned” or caused the bodily harm. Bodily harm has its ordinary meaning and includes any hurt calculated to interfere with the health or comfort of the victim: such hurt need not be permanent, but must be more than transient and trifling: (R v Donovan [1934] 2 KB 498).