Korean Job Discussion Forums

Snowflake · Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Location: Seoul

I think I already know the answer to this question - but still, worth a try...

My scooter was stolen yesterday from outside my apartment. It wasn't worth much and I was wanting a new one, however I'm a bit worried about it happening again.
I've asked around and looked online to no avail but does anyone have (or know of any) insurance policy which covers bike theft?
Thanks in advance.

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

No. I don't think you can get it.

Personally, I've wanted to set one up outside that's booby-trapped to explode and mame the thief once it gets several feet away from where it was, but that's just a dream.

I had one stolen too, once.

simonandmartina · Joined: 20 Oct 2008

I just bought a NEW scooter yesterday, and I'm worried about whether it will get stolen or not. I have a lock on it and an alarm. Should I have two locks, or does it not matter?

Underwaterbob · Joined: 08 Jan 2005 Location: In Cognito

Doesn't matter. The only way to (nearly) ensure your scooter is not stolen is to have a not-public place to put it, ie a garage, or a parking lot with security (reliable security being a rarity).

Scooter/motorcycle theft is rampant here.

Another good way to avoid theft is to only drive run-down, beat-up, unpopular, piece of crap bikes. Even that's no guarantee.

My last piece of crap scooter was stolen. I made the mistake of buying a popular model that was likely stolen for parts. My even crappier current bike has been lucky so far. It's 11 years old, and barely working.

I would like a nice bike, I really would, but myself and everyone of my friends who've owned bikes have had at least one stolen from them. A nice one is just not worth the risk.

Kudos to the deadly booby trap idea. I certainly wouldn't mind seeing some of these guys get their comeuppance.

simonandmartina · Joined: 20 Oct 2008

Seriously? With two locks and a wailing alarm, how could it get stolen?

I'm not doubting their ingenuity when it comes to theft...I'd just like to know how they'd do it.

Underwaterbob · Joined: 08 Jan 2005 Location: In Cognito

The locks come off with a big enough bolt cutter easily enough. You're likely safe from the average joy-ride seeking kids. but...

A Korean friend informed me there are groups of people who drive around the country at night, in trucks, with tools, who can get through pretty much any kind of lock/security you've got. Chop off the lock, load up the scooter, abracadabra, gone! It doesn't help that there are crooked key makers everywhere who will make you a new key for your bike with only a serial number.

They also belong to whatever passes for the Korean mafia and are generally not questioned or approached by anyone if they're spotted, least of all by the lazy, corrupt Korean police "force".

I was at a bike store once and a kid was there with what he was claiming was his bike and could they please cut the lock off it because he'd lost the key, and they did it.

strange_brew · Joined: 12 Oct 2008

You mean, this isn't the land of all safety and no crime? *gasp*

simonandmartina · Joined: 20 Oct 2008

Great. Thanks for the heads up.

I guess it's best not to get too attached.

Sad

Snowflake · Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Location: Seoul

I suppose it makes twisted sense - if theft is so rife here then insurers don't want to insure......
Makes for depressing reading though I have to say.

sokocanuck21 · Joined: 16 Mar 2009 Location: Ansan

stealthy hook a spare battery to the chainlock. When the boltcutter is applied, it should be

wait for it...

shocking!

DavePuff · Joined: 01 Jan 2005 Location: Daegu, South Korea

I bought a thick motorbike lock for mine. I'm sure it would be possible to cut through it, eventually, but damn it would take some effort.

If you have an appartment, perhaps you can lock it in the entrance of the stairwell, out of sight.

As mentioned, I wouldn't ever buy a new scooter or motorbike here (why would you need to?)