In rec.bicycles.misc Prisoner at War said:I don't think there's a "serious" cyclist (centuries are nothing -- or >
at least if they have rest stops every twenty-five miles) who hasn't > had
a bike stolen from him or her. Right?
Quoted message said:So we must all fantasize about what to do if we ever catch someone in >
the act of stealing our beloved bicycles. But what would you do, >
exactly?
<SNIP, crossposting also snipped>
I've lost one bike (very long ago) and one bike trailer to thieves. I
think you let this clown get off VERY easy.
My first inclination would be to beat the [censored] out of him, which would
of course not leave much.
My experience with thieves tells me, though, that you would probably be
within your rights to use as much force as necessary to detain the thief
until the police can arrive. (I.E., if he stops when asked you don't lay
a hand on him; if he runs you can grab him or tackle him; if he resists
forcibly you can probably use force to subdue him.)* Overdo it and you
could be in trouble yourself.
Bill
* I'm not a lawyer. This is just what I have done myself in the past.TT
__o | When a stupid man is doing something he is ashamed of,
_`\(,_ | he always declares that it is his duty.
(_)/ (_) | - George Bernard Shaw