2x Theft of bicycles from a safe place in my building Can I sue the management company?

From_Cordoba

This is so frustrating, Two expensive bikes were stolen from the secure bike storage cage in my building, one was insured the other was not. The thief used a grinder for a few minutes because had to cut through at least 4 U-locks (2 on each bike). They certainly made a lot of noise. We pay a lot of money for security cctv etc in development but they've proven useless now and in the past (I won't go into details but these security guys seem to have no proper training or managers checking to do their job) I was wondering if it was worth all the hassle and money to open a small court claim to recover the cost of the bicycle that was not insured. I'm not sure if this is relevant, but I can't not. see any sign in the bike area that says something like "left at your own risk" or something like that. Thanks 

_Penny_Dreadful

From_Cordoba said:

This is so frustrating, Two expensive bikes were stolen from the secure bike storage cage in my building, one was insured the other was not. The thief used a grinder for a few minutes because had to cut through at least 4 U-locks (2 on each bike). They certainly made a lot of noise. We pay a lot of money for security cctv etc in development but they've proven useless now and in the past (I won't go into details but these security guys seem to have no proper training or managers checking to do their job) I was wondering if it was worth all the hassle and money to open a small court claim to recover the cost of the bicycle that was not insured. I'm not sure if this is relevant, but I can't not. see any sign in the bike area that says something like "left at your own risk" or something like that. Thanks 

There's no way on God's Green Earth I'd leave my babies bikes in a communal storage cage.  I have lived in flats that come with bike storage facilities and I kept my bikes inside my flat because bikes were always being nicked, even the crappy ones.

I'm assuming that you are a leaseholder so what does your lease say about the security or the bike storage cage?

From_Cordoba

Hi Leasehold says nothing about bike storage Cage. But it mention that is prohibited to storage bikes in the Winter Garden or Balcony. So basically the only place would be a bedroom or the living room to stroage the bike. 

user1977

From_Cordoba said:

I'm not sure if this is relevant, but I can't see any sign in the bike area that says something like "left at your own risk" or something like that.

It's completely irrelevant. They're not liable for the theft (unless they actually stole it!). All those signs do is try to deter people from wasting their time with claims like this.

From_Cordoba

user1977 said:  

It's completely irrelevant. They're not liable for the theft (unless they actually stole it!). All those signs do is try to deter people from wasting their time with claims like this.

 

So in your opinion, if you pay for a service that isn't provided, that's totally fine?

user1977

From_Cordoba said:

user1977 said:  

It's completely irrelevant. They're not liable for the theft (unless they actually stole it!). All those signs do is try to deter people from wasting their time with claims like this.

 So in your opinion, if you pay for a service that isn't provided, that's totally fine?

Where did I say that?

If you are paying for something in your service charge which isn't being provided, your remedy is to challenge the service charge. It doesn't mean you can claim for things which you allege to be consequential losses.

steve866

What makes the area 'secure' and how did they get into it?

From_Cordoba

steve866 said:

What makes the area 'secure' and how did they get into it?

No Idea, To enter the storage Cage the is a Gated only acceible by residents with a magnetic Key, CCTV Cameras, Around  6 Sercury Guards in the areas at any giving time.  after reportin this to security I was informed they have the Thieft on CCTV but they can't share the images to me.

TadleyBaggie

From_Cordoba said:

No Idea, To enter the storage Cage the is a Gated only acceible by residents with a magnetic Key, CCTV Cameras, Around  6 Sercury Guards in the areas at any giving time.  after reportin this to security I was informed they have the Thieft on CCTV but they can't share the images to me.

What would you be able to do with the footage anyway? Presumably you have reported it to the police, they would have to release it to the police if a request was made.

pinkshoes

From_Cordoba said:

 

So in your opinion, if you pay for a service that isn't provided, that's totally fine?

You pay for a secure area to lock your bikes which is provided. This area prevents bikes being stolen by opportunist thieves. Does your leasehold contract guarantee you that the CCTV is monitored 24-7? If not, then not a lot you can do other than request the CCTV footage and take it to the police.

Unfortunately this was clearly a planned crime rather than opportunists so the onus is upon you to properly secure your bike within the facility.

You say they cut through U (D?) locks - what type were they? Did the lock itself have any anti-theft guarantee (e.g. the ones you cannot cut through or are VERY difficult to cut through)?


I used to live in Oxford and the insurance was often more expensive than the value of the bike! My bike lock was worth more than the bike as it was so inconvenient having a bike stolen!

Tucosalamanca

pinkshoes said:

From_Cordoba said:

 

So in your opinion, if you pay for a service that isn't provided, that's totally fine?

You pay for a secure area to lock your bikes which is provided. This area prevents bikes being stolen by opportunist thieves. Does your leasehold contract guarantee you that the CCTV is monitored 24-7? If not, then not a lot you can do other than request the CCTV footage and take it to the police.

Unfortunately this was clearly a planned crime rather than opportunists so the onus is upon you to properly secure your bike within the facility.

You say they cut through U (D?) locks - what type were they? Did the lock itself have any anti-theft guarantee (e.g. the ones you cannot cut through or are VERY difficult to cut through)?


I used to live in Oxford and the insurance was often more expensive than the value of the bike! My bike lock was worth more than the bike as it was so inconvenient having a bike stolen!

OP says that an angle grinder was used. I'm unaware of any lock that will stand up to a sustained attack, what are we looking at, five minutes absolute tops? Locks are a deterrent at best.