Reader Vanessa has just emailed us with this information:

“Some time within the last 24 hours, a bike was stolen from 4413 Baltimore Ave. I’m writing in because the thief actually cut through a wrought-iron fence (!!) to take it. Pretty brazen, and kind of scary. It was in the back garden of the building, which is also brazen because the bike wasn’t at all visible from the street (or even from the front of the building).

It’s a brand new Specialized Vita with a black frame and adorable hot-pink handlebars. It was a really special Christmas present, so there’s some sentimental value… It has a Keswick Cycles sticker on the frame.

It was properly locked with two locks. If anyone sees this bike, or if anyone asks you for advice on cutting a Kryptonite New York chain lock, please let me know! I’m offering a $200 reward (and undying gratitude) for its return, no questions asked.

I’d also like to know if other people have had their bikes/parts stolen recently. The details of this theft make me think that whoever took it was a “professional.””

If you have any information about Vanessa’s bike (pictured below), please email her at: vhamer[at]gmail.com

Here’s something to watch out for. Neighbor Ayse, who lives on 45th Street between Spruce and Locust, is reporting some theft in her area:

“There was some minor theft that happened here over the past twoish days, and I just wanted to give people a heads up that there might be someone checking for unlocked doors and pilfering packages. I had a FedEx package stolen that was in the foyer between the front door and the apartment door (the front door was unlocked, but closed). My roommate also had a package delivered that was ripped open, but the contents were still there. The downstairs tenants had a cell phone and digital camera stolen from inside the apartment – small, potentially not immediately noticed. We reported the stolen package and stolen tech items to the police, but it’s unlikely they’ll find them since they’re disposable/ so small. But we wanted to let the police know in case it keeps happening. And we realize that it’s not the greatest idea leaving our front door open, but that aside, we wanted to give people a heads up to lock their doors and pay attention to packages.”

We came across this flyer last night. A handmade bike was stolen from 43rd and Locust. $100 reward is offered for its return. How do you ride this thing?

Hi. Here is a cogent reminder from reader Lisa Quinn.

She writes:

“I had my car broken into on the morning of Jan. 11. The robber smashed the driver’s side window and stole my I-pod and GPS, which were both stored in the center console. I want to get the word out so that people bring their devices inside instead of leaving them in the car for thieves. My car was parked at Larchwood and 51st. Just giving a heads up! Especially with the weather, you don’t want a broken window and your car exposed to the rain/snow/slush.”