About 4000 bikes were stolen in Helsinki ([0], pop. 600k) in 2014. This is about the same number as in the city I live in (Germany, around the same population), where I'd never leave a bike unlocked, and where bike theft is considered a problem. Though I am sure there are places where it's much worse, and conversely that it's much better in other cities in Finland.
[0] http://www.helsinkitimes.fi/finland/finland-news/domestic/10...
In Japan street crime is very low but both bicycles and umbrellas are 'borrowed' on a routine basis. Kind of like an informal bike sharing system. Consequently most bicycles are of the $80 made in China variety.
Re:VNC Roulette
by jay_kyburz on Sunday March 27, 2016 @04:01PM
(#11371284)
Here in Canberra Australia I would regularly come back to my bike to find new marks in the plastic around my chain where somebody had tried to cut through. Your chain has to go through both wheels if you have quick release on the front, and you can't leave any clip on lights or your water bottle or it will be gone.
A few years ago I watched a junky go from bike to bike in a bike rack testing each lock to see if it would open easily. Right in plain view of everybody. When I confronted him he launched into some long and carefully rehearsed sob story about how his friend told him to come and get his bike but didn't know which one it was.
I actually accidentally left my bike beside a busy street last night here in Seoul unlocked. I went back and got it today (Sunday night) and not a single person had touched it.
I don't think that it's population density as much as the shared culture of the place you live. I would have totally blamed myself if my bike wasn't there today, and I think it would be stupid to blame anyone else.
Density, shared culture, and perhaps a functioning social services. Thus there is less of a incentive for petty crime, as basic needs are covered via less risky means.
I wouldn't leave my bike unlocked in Helsinki. Just last year my bike was stolen near the Parliament house (Kiasma) even though it was locked to the stand.
You most likely do not live in Helsinki or anywhere near so called "pk-seutu".
Meanwhile, in my tiny town in the States bike theft was basically the single most common form of crime, and I know of one house I would walk by every week that would openly have as many as half-a-dozen stolen bikes displayed for sale in their front yard.