So...my son's bike was stolen today

[whatevergirl]

Sorry to hear about that! Yes, it’s lame. But it takes a plenty unhappy person to be able to steal a child’s bike.

*Yes, so true…sad. Thanks, chev. *

 

[Jay82]

*I’m trying to refrain from a Florida rant…but it’s getting hard. lol

My kids ride their bikes home from school (3 days per week, my husband picks them up on the days he’s off), my son recently lost his bike lock. My husband takes their bikes up to school before work, and will lock them up for them…because long story, we drive the kids TO school, because no buses will come out at the 2 mile mark…and in the morning, on these busy streets, it’s easier to just take them by car. But, we both work, so they ride their bikes home afterschool.

That said, they came out of school today, and someone stole his bike. It boggles my mind that someone thinks it’s ok to take something that isn’t theirs…but what I can’t help but feel, is THIS NEVER HAPPENED IN PITTSBURGH!! We lived in PA for nearly 11 years…and never once, in all the years that our kids left their bikes out on the lawn by mistake all night or something-were they stolen. Nor was anything stolen.

Do I believe thieves live in Pittsburgh? Yes. But, we are living here in a pretty nice area…and slowly, I am seeing a decline. New neighbors constantly moving in …foreclosure signs…the once nice neighborhood, is declining. We lived in a nice suburb in PA also, something like this never happened. It’s just super transient here, a worry I had before we decided to make the move.

Okay…so is this ‘‘stupid’’ for me to think that this is a sign from God to move back to Pittsburgh?

Please pray that the person feels badly, and decides to return the bike. Never know.

Thanks for listening!*

I am really sorry that happened to your son, he definitely didn’t deserve that misfortune. I think this is more or less a reminder in safety and not to take things for granted rather than whether or not you should live in FL. We always have to take precautions to protect the things we own and our loved ones. Any time you knowingly leave valuables unguarded/unsecured you are taking a calculated risk that someone won’t take them.

On the plus side, at least the theft wasn’t something worse, like a home robbery.

I can relate because I had some valuables stolen (a few hundred dollars worth of stuff) from me when I stayed at a Sheraton hotel once. Someone went through my bags and took them. I should have locked it in the hotel safe, but I didn’t and have no one to blame but myself. I filed a police report and complained to the hotel, but their head of security was useless and very uncooperative. All in all I was very surprised because Sheraton is a reputable hotel and none of my friend’s stuff was touched, just mine. Unlucky I suppose. Now I am much more careful…but it taught me a lesson in terms of what one oversight can result in.

It sounds to me like this was probably due to your son not having a lock. It would be a tempting target for any neighborhood kids who wander by the school. Thus, I kinda doubt its a sign that Florida is mistreating you. I know how badly you want to go back to Pennsylvania from previous posts, and part of me hopes you get your chance because it really sounds like you are homesick. I know a lot of people in DC from Pittsburgh. They love their hometown, but recognize that it is declining economically. The jobs just aren’t there, and many have migrated south.

I agree. I am friends with numerous people who used to live in Pittsburgh, but moved away because of the job market (or lack there of). Most live in DC or NYC now. DC has a large presence from former Pittsburgh residents and their are many bars in the area dedicated to fans of the city’s sports teams.

Yes, the DC area is expensive. Especially housing. I want to own a home some day in northern Virginia, but the median price is currently at $570,000 for a single family home (and this is for Nov 2009). Jobs pay well though to compensate. The county median household income is about $110k. So its probably a wash. But still, jobs are plentiful so that’s why the region is growing so much.

novaslasher - I probably live pretty close to you. I live/work in the DC area and can relate to the expensive cost of living. I probably pay more in rent for my 1 bedroom apt than most people pay for their mortage in other areas of the country. But the jobs are plentiful, they pay well, and the area grows and grows.

 

[GratefulDad]

Hey Whatevergirl, so sorry about your son’s bike, we are big bikers in our family too. Will keep y’alls pain in my prayers and pray the thief’s have a change in Spirit.

As for moving back to Pittsburgh?:bigyikes::winter::snowing:

 

[Lucania]

• Maybe I’m naive. That could be. *

Well, possibly. Sad, but in this day and age, not locking up your bicycle is an open invitation to steal by the persons who are so inclined to take what is not theirs. It’s the same as locking the doors and windows to your home, locking your car, not leaving valubles in your car or at least not in plain view. Of course, if someone REALLY wants to break in or steal, they usually do, but I try not to make it easy for them. Sorry your son’s bike was stolen. Quick story. About 25 years ago, my Mom(a widow) & I went to Louisiana to visit a family member who was ill. We stayed in a hotel the first night. The next morning, we went to her car and it was gone! Some young people broke into it, stole it and took it for a “joyride” . It was found in the woods with a board jammed from the back of the seat to the floor board. It was totaled. We had to take a bus home. That was my first and LAST bus ride. I have been back to visit many times, and I don’t hold the lovely state of Louisiana responsible.

 

[HouseArrest]

What? Bikes are stolen in PA? Yes, you could be right, that’s an interesting thought.

No, not stolen, borrowed.

 

[whatevergirl]

*Here’s an update, my dh had off today from work, and he talked to a police officer about this…the officer said that if we see the bike in one of the neighborhoods, to call him, and he will deal with it. He gave my husband his number…I really don’t envision this bike ever being recovered, but you never know.

I pray that the person who took the bike, at the very least, learned a lesson and will never do this to anyone else, going forward. *

 

[dashso40]

Yes, we have been for a little while now. Either this or next summer…we are seriously planning, barring a miraculous reason that God would have us remain in FL. My dh likes FL though…but he said he would move back to PA, if it was good for the family. It’s hard to keep moving. We moved in 07to FL, then had to move in 08 to another home in FL…now to move again? Rather kiss a porcupine, I think.

True, it is not good to keep moving all over, unless you’re in the army or navy. It’s very stressful moving. it probably will just take time to get used to living there, but you probably will love it one day!

 

[jrabs]

WG - my son had his bike stolen from school in Oct. yeah it is rotten.

We live in an upscale section also but there are thieves all over with no regard for property. If they want it, it’s theirs for the taking.