There is, in fact, a lamp at both of the corners, as well as a third mid-block street light at the edge of 2 Pierrepont Place where the building abuts the park.

Judging from the photo, the mid-block light shines down right about where the rear bumper of the RR was parked. The scaffolding on The Breukelen has walkway lighting that includes a fixture in about the same place on the opposite side of the street, so I’d say these crooks could see very well what they were doing.

A crime ring was busted earlier this year on the UWS for stealing at least 6 motorcycles. The MO was to pull up a van alongside where the bike was parked (blocking the view of passersby), slide open the door, a couple guys jump out, scoop up the bike in 10-15 seconds, and close the door as they drive away.

This could easily be done for a set of unlocked RR wheels with little more than a trunk jack and a pair of power drills. Driver, jack-man, two wheel / lug nut guys with a power drill each.

If they timed it right, a little helicopter noise or the SI Ferry horn would even drown out the sound of the drills – there’d be nothing to see or hear!

I dont think it would make any difference if the doorman or anyone witnessed this event. It probably took about a minute. Even if someone called the cops, it would take them several minutes to arrive on the scene. By that time the thieves would be long gone.

You’re right about that. The police seem to have higher priorities (drug busts & homicides, perhaps rightfully so) than keeping residents of the Heights/Cobble Hill and their property safe. Maybe more cameras and better lighting would help the situation.

@EHinBH – lug nuts don’t make much noise and I’ll bet these guys were gone before a doorman would have made it to the curb, if there had been anything to hear

And I doubt the average RR owner knows the difference between a lug nut and a peanut – probably just wondering if the new RR arrived yet.

Keep your eyes peeled! I’ll offer a $100 reward for anyone that posts information in this thread that leads to the arrest of this Hooligan Harry

I think you can buy locks if you don’t want to go the boot route. It would at least take them long enough to possibly be noticed to get the wheels off, or make a nearby car a better target.

granted the city can’t afford them or change them back, but maybe they should think of LEDS or alternatives.

Bright light not a deterrent? can anyone say broken window theory!

The City should change the dull orange street lights, to a more vibrant white color. Years ago I remember them being a white/purplish color.

Please remember to be alert and use some street smarts out there.
If something or someone doesn’t look right, it probably isn’t.