They Stole A Bike—And What Else?

 If you have ever had a bike stolen, bicycle thieves might seem like the most depraved individuals.

While pilfering Peugeots and Pogliaghis might be some crooks’ métier, others no doubt steal other things. This makes sense when you realize that many bike thefts are crimes of opportunity and the end-game is to sell the bike, whether whole in parts. The same could be said for the filching of other items like jewelry.

I have to wonder, however, about the two perps who entered, without permission, a New Orleans apartment complex on 18 July. They stole a bicycle—and a package containing the remains of a deceased person.

Surveillance images from NOPD

While I deplore stealing bikes, I can understand why thieves do it: Bicycles are relatively easy to swipe and sell. I cannot, on the other hand, comprehend a motive for taking someone’s remains. Could it be that the partners in crime took the package simply because it was there and didn’t realize what was inside? Or was there some more complicated motive that involved, say, revenge or simply harassment against a particular person?

Whatever the explanation may be, a bicycle and a package of human remains has to be one of the strangest combinations of theft I—and, possibly, the police officers investigating the case—have ever heard of.

Easy Choices In The Big Easy

 People go to New Orleans to do things they can’t, or wouldn’t, do at home.

So it makes sense that tomorrow, at 5pm, the World Naked Bike Ride will take place in the Crescent City.

Now, being the sort of rider I am, one of the first questions I ask before alighting is:  What should I wear?

Nola.com has answered that question: Sunscreen. Glitter. Tiaras and top hats. Feathers. Slogans painted on your body. Band-aids. Cowboy boots and hats,  The beautiful Crown Royal sac. Even bikini bottoms and bikinis are allowed. Oh, and let us not forget Pride symbols. Just don’t think you’re being “ironic” if you show up in a Brooks Brothers suit or dress! 

Make Sure The Swap Is Consensual!

Many of you have been to "swap meets."  I've gone to a couple myself.  I went with the intent of trading stuff I didn't want or need anymore, but the real fun was meeting some of the people and seeing rare bikes, parts and accessories, some of which haven't been made in a long time.

If you ever decide to go to a swap meet, I have some advice:  Make sure that the owner of whatever you get in the swap knows that you're getting his or her stuff.

At least, that's the advice I would give to a fellow in New Orleans who traded his bike for someone else's.  

Details of the transaction, if you will, go like this:  He parked his bike on the 1400 block of Washington Avenue, an area that normally sees a lot of foot and bicycle traffic.   After parking his bike, he walked away from the area but turned around for a moment and seemed to survey the area before continuing on his way.

A little later, he returned.  But instead of getting on the bike he parked, he removed the lock on someone else's bike and rode it away.

Police are looking for the man.  They also are, no doubt, trying to find out whether the bike he rode to the "swap" was acquired in a similar fashion.