<div>Hey all,</div>
<div>So I think the deal with the acid is this: the person comes by, sees a bike they'd like to steal, squirts stuff into the lock to make it difficult/impossible to open, then returns later with tools to break/cut the lock and steal the bike. I used to live in Dublin, where bike theft is pretty notorious, and I heard of this happening...though I think then it was using epoxy or something like that to totally cover the keyhole. So perhaps it is best to keep the u-lock oriented so the keyhole faces downward. </div>
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<div>As for South Station, I would not lock my bike there. Locking a bike at a train or bus station is saying 'I won't be back for a good while.' I had a friend who, despite removing the seat, had his bike stolen from there, and there are lots of bikes there missing parts. Here is a list of parking garages that have bike racks in them - <a href="http://www.cityofboston.gov/transportation/bike_parking.asp">http://www.cityofboston.gov/transportation/bike_parking.asp</a> I've never actually used any, but they may be a safer bet, in that they might not be visible from the street, so people might not know there are bikes there. Plus, I don't know if the argument that a lot of people around is a theft deterrant carries much weight. I've had to 'steal' my own bike when the key broke, using a hack saw, and aside from attracting stares, nothing/no one stopped me from cutting my lock by the bus circle of Reservoir Station. </div>
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<div>Don't let any of this stop you from commuting with your bike though! Just have a hefty lock and park it in a good spot. Also might be worth changing it up in terms of where you park it from time to time.</div>
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<div>Cheers,</div>
<div>Phil</div>