Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Video: Greenpoint Bike Thief Makes It Look Easy
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Sep 10, 2014
Modified Sep 10, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Sep 10, 2014
Modified Sep 10, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Think your bike is safely locked up in broad daylight on a gentrified block of North Brooklyn? Let this bike thief (Greenpoint's Fastest™) cut the strings of your credulity in less than 10 seconds.
Note the fake cell phone call to assuage any lingering suspicion from the passersby; his gentle, unassuming gait as he approaches the mark; the way he doesn't look down at the pliers in his grasp until he absolutely has to. If you're going to have your bike stolen, it might as well be at the skilled hands of a professional.
Greenpoint Bike Thief Makes It Look Easy from Gothamist on Vimeo.
Chris Herwig says his family's bike was locked up outside their building across the street from McCarren Playground at 3 p.m. last Friday. By 5 p.m. it was gone.
"It's the third bike we've had stolen from the exact same spot," Herwig says. "We've had two U-locks cut, and now this cable."
Herwig notes that all of the stolen bikes have had baby seats, and the most recent was a beater replacement for the nicer bikes that preceded it, both of which were stolen in the middle of the night.
"The first thing we thought when it was stolen was, we hope the guy riding it around is all right. The brakes are kinda bad."
Herwig adds that his family has moved on and gotten a new bike and a better chain lock, and that the 94th Precinct has been receptive to his theft report.
"It's just so great having the bike outside, if you need to drop the kids off somewhere or get to the subway really quick. But I guess we'll be taking it up the stairs."
If you have any information on this thief, contact NYPD Crimestoppers. All tips are confidential.
Tagged
bike thieves
Broken Spokes
crime
greenpoint
original
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
After being booed at integration forum, NYC chancellor praised by school parent leaders
Recent meetings hint at brewing clashes over education.
By
Jessica Gould
Published Oct 28, 2026 at 2:24 p.m. ET
Lithium-ion battery caused Bronx fire that killed 11-year-old, FDNY says
Officials say the batteries have caused more than 400 fires across the city this year.
By
Catalina Gonella
News
Lithium-ion battery caused Bronx fire that killed 11-year-old, FDNY says
Officials say the batteries have caused more than 400 fires across the city this year.
By
Catalina Gonella
'If this is what you want': East Village board halts vote on Tompkins Square overhaul
By
Willow Higgins
60K runners, 2.5 million fans: NYPD promises tight security for NYC Marathon
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Early Addition: Errol Morris has an Elizabeth Holmes interview in the chamber
By
James Ramsay
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .