HCS
09-17-2004, 11:08 AM
The Pen Is Mightier Than the Lock
By LYDIA POLGREEN
September 17, 2004
The cunning bicycle thieves of New York City always seem to be one
step ahead of lockmakers. Design a more sophisticated lock and the
thieves make a better pick. Make a sturdier chain and they get bigger
bolt cutters. And if all else fails, they just dig up the parking
meter or stop sign to unshackle the bike from it. But to open some of
the toughest locks on the market, a thief needs only to flick his Bic
pen.
Many cyclists erupted in disbelief and anger this week after videos
were posted on the Internet showing how a few seconds of work could
pick many of the most expensive and common U-shaped locks, including
several models made by Kryptonite, the most recognized brand.
Mashing the empty barrel of a ballpoint pen into the cylindrical
keyhole and turning it clockwise does the trick that has struck fear
into the hearts of bicycle owners, especially those in New York,
where thousands of bikes are stolen each year.
By LYDIA POLGREEN
September 17, 2004
The cunning bicycle thieves of New York City always seem to be one
step ahead of lockmakers. Design a more sophisticated lock and the
thieves make a better pick. Make a sturdier chain and they get bigger
bolt cutters. And if all else fails, they just dig up the parking
meter or stop sign to unshackle the bike from it. But to open some of
the toughest locks on the market, a thief needs only to flick his Bic
pen.
Many cyclists erupted in disbelief and anger this week after videos
were posted on the Internet showing how a few seconds of work could
pick many of the most expensive and common U-shaped locks, including
several models made by Kryptonite, the most recognized brand.
Mashing the empty barrel of a ballpoint pen into the cylindrical
keyhole and turning it clockwise does the trick that has struck fear
into the hearts of bicycle owners, especially those in New York,
where thousands of bikes are stolen each year.