“kid dips with my bike… All within 35 seconds”

by Prince Of Petworth June 17, 2016 at 4:00 pm 33 Comments

“Dear PoPville,

Grabbed a six pack, parked my bike in the window and had storeowner watch it, as I walk up to pay, owner yells “your bike!!!!” … kid dips with my bike… All within 35 seconds

Happened at corner of 5th and M NW, hoping you can post it so if people see it they can report it

It’s a very rare bike (for DC) it’s a Rocky Mountain Flare 29″ wheels”

20160617_131739

Side note: “Someone dumped this bike in our yard at Holmead and Meridian Place in Columbia Heights last night. If it’s yours, it’s at the police substation on Park Rd.”

Video after the jump (because of sizing/formatting issues).

Kevin

Always lock up your bike. Always.

I’ve had two bikes stolen in DC. All it takes, as the OP says, is a few seconds.
- Hill Denizen
  
  Yeah, if the bike isn’t locked up, what exactly is the store owner watching it supposed to do unless he’s literally standing next to the bike. By the time either of you gets outside, the bike is long gone.
- Ryan
  
  Even if its just putting a lock on the back tire to make it unrideable, just takes a few seconds
anon

It’s all true, but I still feel for you… hate having bikes stolen.
7thStTechGuy

I like to play “That’s not his bike” while walking around DC.
Angry Parakeet

Did same thing at Petworth Liquor when I first moved into the neighborhood – an almost new Bianchi leaning against the glass right next to the Plexiglas-enclosed cashier.
Last October Sis locked her bike on my front porch as we chatted on a Sunday afternoon in the living room which overlooks porch. After an hour she walked out and found only a cut cable lock.
Nate S.

He did what with your bike? “dips”? Who even says that?
- 7thStTechGuy
  
  I grew up in a large southern city, it’s kind of a common thing to say down there.
  - Jerry Grundle
    
    Clearly DC is north of the Dip Line.
    - Julio
      
      And?
- Thomas
  
  Many many people.
- Anon
  
  Hmmmm. Never heard that term in my life.
  - North Carolinian
    
    Nor I.
- zeeeeee
  
  I always thought that was a MD/DC thing to say. Grew up outside of Phila. Never heard it till I moved here (20yrs ago).
- mdtodc
  
  Native Maryland-er and I have to say with the below 30 crowd it is definitely a thing. I say it.
  My guess is the OP is under 30?
  
  Regardless sorry about your bike. Hope you get it back.
  - mdtodc
    
    Just to clarify this about the “dip” debate.
    - SWChick
      
      I grew up in Maryland and I am in my mid 30’s. I didn’t realize it until I read this but most ppl in MD say “dip” from time to time; meaning to leave an area quickly. Usually when you are leaving work or some where you dont want to be. lol i.e. “I’m about to dip” :-)
- Anonymous
  
  West coaster here: I think it works in a similar manner as bounce/bounced
  “He eyed my bike, walked up, and bounced out with it.”
  “We got into the party but it was crazy crowded, so we decided to bounce.”
  - mdtodc
    
    +1
Anonymous

I’m not going to question your decision to not lock up your bike but I will question your decision to draft the owner of the shop into the job of watching your property. If I was the owner of a business, I would resent someone assigning me responsibility for watching property of theirs that is easily portable.
- FridayGirl
  
  +1.
Shawz

If you’re leaving your bike unlocked on the street at 5th and M you obviously aren’t from around here.
- LadyInBlue
  
  Belly laughing….Got that right…. High rent in an Urban City.. With Urban Crime… Not the little Southern Town….
- anon
  
  I was thinking the same thing!! Lots and lots of low income housing around 5th an M. Very silly move.
atlas

imagine leaving your car running with the keys in the ignition and doors unlocked. now imagine there is no registration number or license plate. and it is much easier to hide and maneuver. and it is worth much much less so the penalties associated with stealing it are much less. that is a bike. leaving one unlocked in a city, even for 30 seconds, is like leaving a bag of cash taped to a skateboard. except a bike is a lot faster than a skateboard.
Tshepo

Yeah, stealing a bike is one of the few crimes where the robbery itself makes the getaway easier
Truxton Circleite

Just saw your bike today at about 4:45pm. Two people (both 20s-ish) were casually sitting and had it leaning against a tree just SW of the intersection of 1st St and Florida NW on 1st St. It looked to be in good condition.
- Anon
  
  +1
  - Ian
    
    +1
- textdoc
  
  Please tell us you called 911.
anon

I saw (what matches description of) your bike today too. As of 6:15 today, it’s with the group of guys sitting outside 3rd/P NW corner store. Leaning against black iron fence.

Would recommend calling Police if you can positively ID the bike.
anon

Yup – just saw it again on the corner of FL and 1st ST NW…if i see it again i’ll approach
Anon

Just saw this bike on 1st and P. I see this bike almost daily between North Cap and 3rd on P St. NW.

Subscribe to our mailing list