Clamping

Kenny Logins

snaps wrote: »

Surprised you left the clamp there. Just wondering to clampers have access to your home address via the reg number of your car?

On another note, where would you stand with getting a locksmith to remove the clamp?

Can't imagine a locksmith would want to get involved.

michael999999

Kenny Logins wrote: »

Can't imagine a locksmith would want to get involved.

And would probably be more expensive!

00833827

dazftw wrote: »

angle grinder in my pic took it off in about 5 seconds

From a health and safety point of view, I'm delighted to see the use of safety goggles here - well done! The people of Adelphi Wharf salute you.

errlloyd

If the clamp fairies exist as some sort of altruistic force for good, willing to take risks to fight back against champers, why don't they take up graffiti and just spray paint over / steal / otherwise obscure the signs. Also, if you got clamped is there anything that stops you removing the sign yourself? Seems easier than removing the clamp.

dutopia

I just have to stop for a minute and laugh my ass off; fair play to all the people who took the clamps off themselves... I'd love to see the faces of the executives in the clamping companies when they're told there's a fair few people out there with angle grinders, bolt cutters and other tools taking the clamps off and leaving them behind bushes. Love it.

brokenarms

Would not be in the bushes if it was me. Scrap is worth a fortune these days.

Fred Swanson

This post has been deleted.

flutered

there was a far handier way for removing the clamp discussed here on boards, a good while back, if i remember correctly, it was in the waterford it threads,
one got a can of compressed air at halfords,
then one got either a two or four pound hammer, from any builders outlet,
nb. it has to have a large nuckle on one end, this is needed if the lock is built into the clam
one sprays the compressed air into the lock, for some reason it freezes, which in turn leaves is inside the lock, this makes the steel inside the lock brittle,
a few appropiate strikes of the hammer on to the lock, smashes the inside to smiddereens,
the rest is q.e.d.

166man

joetoad wrote: »

I rang the clamping company and told them they can have their clamp back for 120 euro. They said they'd bring me to court. I said I'd bring them to court for interfering with my car. Never heard anything since.

If I but a sign on my car saying anyone who looks at my car owes me 10,000 or I will handcuff em or something do you think that has legal aspect?

Or if you walked past me and I held a sign saying if you read this I can take 100 euro off you does that have legal aspect. Your arguments are dumb

FWIW, if I was ever clamped again the clamp would be coming off but I'd be slow to take an angle grinder to it. I'd take the wheel off and wishbone etc. I just wouldn't want the risk of it all I'd imagine, whatever that's just me.

I'm more arguing on the legal aspect of the whole situation, not on whether clamping is right or wrong. I think the likes of NCPS etc are scum btw.

It's funny that you'd call my arguments dumb and then write the likes of what you have written in bold above, don't be stupid please.

mickdw wrote: »

And what is your opinion re cases where signs are poorly worded or obstructed as is often the case?
People are clamped in the wrong but the clampers have no intention of listening.
There was a particular case mentioned on another thread here where the wording of a parking sign was totally misleading and clamp company were clamping left, right and centre. This was happening at peoples homes. I dont see how that is so simple really as you say. Its more like extortion to me.
Its pretty obvious to me why people now have no fear in cutting off clamps. Its because the clampers are corrupt scum.
Never fear, the days of the private clamper are coming to an end. It simply will no longer pay when they end up having to buy new clamps for every second clamp they fit. Of course they will increase prices but this will only hasten their demise. Higher release fee - more disappearing clamps.

If a sign is poorly worded or obstructed then of course you have a case for not having had sufficient notice but any car park I have ever been into where it says clamping in operation has always been crystal clear to me.

People cut the clamps off because they're in that unfortunate situation where unless there's any video evidence that YOU took the clamp off and YOU damaged it, it can never be brought to court. If there was video evidence of somebody damaging a clamp like that I'm sure there'd be no problem with the clampers taking that person to court tbh.

dr.fuzzenstein

Chemical Burn wrote: »

Would this go through it? Or would you need a more expensive one?

http://www.woodiesdiy.com/Product/ROK-115mm-630W-Angle-Grinder/12418/1.0.2

http://www.woodiesdiy.com/images/productImages//Zoom/ROK_115mm_630W_Angle_Grinder_1062272.jpg

It's ROK and it's for sale in Woodies, that means it's sh*te that will either not work from the start or break 5 minutes into using it.
ROK and Rolson? Frankly you'll be better of using this:

joetoad

166man wrote: »

I'm more arguing on the legal aspect of the whole situation, not on whether clamping is right or wrong. I think the likes of NCPS etc are scum btw.

Yes they have no legal right to clamp your car or fine you which people were trying to get across to you.

kirving

dr.fuzzenstein wrote: »

It's ROK and it's for sale in Woodies, that means it's sh*te that will either not work from the start or break 5 minutes into using it.
ROK and Rolson? Frankly you'll be better of using this:

It might be crap, but it only needs to be used once. There only moving part is a motor and a bevel 'box, not much to go wrong really.

166man

joetoad wrote: »

Yes they have no legal right to clamp your car or fine you which people were trying to get across to you.

If it's private property, the owner of that land can do as they wish within reason, it being their own land. Using somewhere like UCD as an example, UCD give NCPS/APCOA the ''lawful authority'' to clamp on their behalf. UCD could do it themselves but it is easier and probably more cost efficient to have a company managing their car parks.

Guidelines are set out by UCD stating where you can and cannot park. It's very much clearly signposted on every corner you turn, if you park somewhere you shouldn't you are liable to be clamped. When you enter the carpark you are agreeing to this.

So going around saying it's illegal is that part I can't quite understand.

brokenarms

The ROK stuff is grand for the purpose. Its not like you will be using it all day everyday. Why would ya buy a makita to use it once for one cut and never again. They cost more than than the clamp fee!

Cheap cordless is what you really should be at.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/24V-4-1-2-Cordless-Angle-Grinder-w-NiCd-24V-Battery-Fast-Charger-Carrying-Bag-/390564580409?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5aef768c39

But a cheaper way would be these. Can sit forever in the boot. Waiting. just waiting.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-CT23-900-Bolt-Cutters/dp/B000LFS1VO/ref=sr_1_21?ie=UTF8&qid=1364142683&sr=8-21 .

Deank

brokenarms wrote: »

The ROK stuff is grand for the purpose. Its not like you will be using it all day everyday. Why would ya buy a makita to use it once for one cut and never again. They cost more than than the clamp fee!

Cheap cordless is what you really should be at.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/24V-4-1-2-Cordless-Angle-Grinder-w-NiCd-24V-Battery-Fast-Charger-Carrying-Bag-/390564580409?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5aef768c39

But a cheaper way would be these. Can sit forever in the boot. Waiting. just waiting.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-CT23-900-Bolt-Cutters/dp/B000LFS1VO/ref=sr_1_21?ie=UTF8&qid=1364142683&sr=8-21 .

Nothing feels as good as watching the sparks off the lock when one of these bad boys finally snaps it

joetoad

Road Traffic Act, 1961

View Full Act Legislation Directory Entry
Unauthorised interference with mechanism of vehicle.

113.—(1) A person shall not, without lawful authority or reasonable cause, interfere or attempt to interfere with the mechanism of a mechanically propelled vehicle while it is stationary in a public place, or get on or into or attempt to get on or into the vehicle while it is so stationary.

(2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) of this section shall be guilty of an offence.

(3) Where a member of the Garda Síochána has reasonable grounds for believing that a person is committing an offence under this section, he may arrest the person without warrant.

(4) This section shall not apply to a person taking, in relation to a mechanically propelled vehicle which is obstructing his lawful ingress or egress to or from any place, such steps as are reasonably necessary to move the vehicle by human propulsion for a distance sufficient to terminate the obstruction.

(5) Where a person is charged with an offence under this section, it shall be a good defence to the charge for him to show that, when he did the act alleged to constitute the offence, he believed, and had reasonable grounds for believing, that he had lawful authority for doing that act.

Also Vehicle clamping
Vehicle clamping is in place in the cities of Dublin, Cork and Galway. Services are operated in these cities by private companies on behalf of the local authority. Employees of the vehicle clamping company are entitled to clamp (and de-clamp vehicles) and issue clamping notices for vehicles that are in violation of the parking regulations. Clamping services are also common in car parks of hotels, hospitals, universities and shopping centres to discourage long-term parking at the expense of staff, customers or clients. Clamping on private property is not covered by legislation and the legality of clamping on private property is unclear.

166man

joetoad wrote: »

Road Traffic Act, 1961

View Full Act Legislation Directory Entry
Unauthorised interference with mechanism of vehicle.

113.—(1) A person shall not, without lawful authority or reasonable cause, interfere or attempt to interfere with the mechanism of a mechanically propelled vehicle while it is stationary in a public place, or get on or into or attempt to get on or into the vehicle while it is so stationary.

Also Vehicle clamping
Vehicle clamping is in place in the cities of Dublin, Cork and Galway. Services are operated in these cities by private companies on behalf of the local authority. Employees of the vehicle clamping company are entitled to clamp (and de-clamp vehicles) and issue clamping notices for vehicles that are in violation of the parking regulations. Clamping services are also common in car parks of hotels, hospitals, universities and shopping centres to discourage long-term parking at the expense of staff, customers or clients. Clamping on private property is not covered by legislation and the legality of clamping on private property is unclear.

Yawn Yawn seriously man, read the fcuking thing will you? I have said it about 3 times now, read the part in bold please. The owner of the private property grants the lawful authority as I see it anyhow. Stop quoting the same piece over and over again.

Also you're right it's not covered by legislation but it doesn't need to be. We use common law in Ireland or Case law hence why the legality is questioned as it has not been brought to Court yet.

joetoad

166man wrote: »

Yawn Yawn seriously man, read the fcuking thing will you? I have said it about 3 times now, read the part in bold please. The owner of the private property grants the lawful authority as I see it anyhow. Stop quoting the same piece over and over again.

Also you're right it's not covered by legislation but it doesn't need to be. We use common law in Ireland or Case law hence why the legality is questioned as it has not been brought to Court yet.

What lawful authority does he have?? nothing!!!! So if they put up a sign saying trespassers will be shot they can hire a company to do this?

michael999999

Could we all chip in a few quid towards a solicitor and get this cleared up once and for all.

This is f###in repetitive and going nowhere!

166man

joetoad wrote: »

What lawful authority does he have?? nothing!!!! So if they put up a sign saying trespassers will be shot they can hire a company to do this?

You clearly cannot just shoot someone, that's known as murder, he has the lawful authority to dictate how people park on his land. Simples.

michael999999 wrote: »

Could we all chip in a few quid towards a solicitor and get this cleared up once and for all.

This is f###in repetitive and going nowhere!

I'd appreciate that too, saying the same thing over and over again is tiring!

joetoad

166man wrote: »

You clearly cannot just shoot someone, that's known as murder, he has the lawful authority to dictate how people park on his land. Simples.



I'd appreciate that too, saying the same thing over and over again is tiring!

State the law?

monkeypants

snaps wrote: »

Just wondering to clampers have access to your home address via the reg number of your car?

I doubt the private companies do. Even if they did, what could they accomplish?

GreeBo

166man wrote: »

Also you're right it's not covered by legislation but it doesn't need to be. We use common law in Ireland or Case law hence why the legality is questioned as it has not been brought to Court yet.

"you're right"?
Thats not his opinion, thats the Road Traffic act!
You are the one giving your opinion, everyone else is showing you that private clamping is not covered under any current legislation.
Yes you can be done for damaging a clamp, if you damage it.
But there is nothing under law to allow someone to detain your car on private property.

uck51js9zml2yt

Parked my car in the drop off zone at heuston to drop someone to the train. Didn't have time to use the car park. Came back to find a warning sticker but thankfully no clamp. So fair play to the clampers for thinking it through:D

Mikros

166man wrote: »

If it's private property, the owner of that land can do as they wish within reason, it being their own land. Using somewhere like UCD as an example, UCD give NCPS/APCOA the ''lawful authority'' to clamp on their behalf. UCD could do it themselves but it is easier and probably more cost efficient to have a company managing their car parks.

Guidelines are set out by UCD stating where you can and cannot park. It's very much clearly signposted on every corner you turn, if you park somewhere you shouldn't you are liable to be clamped. When you enter the carpark you are agreeing to this.

So going around saying it's illegal is that part I can't quite understand.

Where did you get the idea that someone can do what they want on their own private property? It is very much limited in law what you can do. For one there is no provision for you to detain a 3rd parties property and demand payment for it's release. (Simple analogy - if I kick a ball over your wall you can't demand €100 for it's return). Clamping is arguably a trespass to chattel itself - a tort that is also actionable.

The question then - is the presence of a sign enough to consider a person has voluntary accepted the risk and entered in a simple contract? However that defense has generally found to have been abolished in Ireland by the Supreme Court as result of the Civil Liabilities Act. All those "the management accept no responsibility for blah blah" signs mean nothing in Irish law. The landowner would have to make more effort than a sign - possibly a ticket and barrier system might pass scrutiny, but nothing has been tested yet.

So in the absence of statute underpinning clamping, and with no Irish precedent case, it appears to be operating in a completely grey area. The problem is the clampers wont fight a precedent case they might lose, and who is going to pay the potential legal fee's that are way in excess of the release fee? That is the bit where the Government should step in with legislation but I haven't seen any sign of that lately. All IMO of course.

The current extortion approach by clampers will probably hasten their demise as it stands. I got caught for €120 in my own parking space and then had all appeals refused. If that is how they do business then good riddance.

GreeBo

Briella Spicy Scalpel wrote: »

Parked my car in the drop off zone at heuston to drop someone to the train. Didn't have time to use the car park. Came back to find a warning sticker but thankfully no clamp. So fair play to the clampers for thinking it through:D

I presume however that if you were clamped in this scenario you wouldnt have a problem with it?
Personally I wouldnt, you were parked in a set down only area because you "didnt have time to use the car park" tbh thats not really an excuse at all...there is no excuse.

Deank

Mikros wrote: »

Where did you get the idea that someone can do what they want on their own private property? It is very much limited in law what you can do. For one there is no provision for you to detain a 3rd parties property and demand payment for it's release. (Simple analogy - if I kick a ball over your wall you can't demand €100 for it's return). Clamping is arguably a trespass to chattel itself - a tort that is also actionable.

The question then - is the presence of a sign enough to consider a person has voluntary accepted the risk and entered in a simple contract? However that defense has generally found to have been abolished in Ireland by the Supreme Court as result of the Civil Liabilities Act. All those "the management accept no responsibility for blah blah" signs mean nothing in Irish law. The landowner would have to make more effort than a sign - possibly a ticket and barrier system might pass scrutiny, but nothing has been tested yet.

So in the absence of statute underpinning clamping, and with no Irish precedent case, it appears to be operating in a completely grey area. The problem is the clampers wont fight a precedent case they might lose, and who is going to pay the potential legal fee's that are way in excess of the release fee? That is the bit where the Government should step in with legislation but I haven't seen any sign of that lately. All IMO of course.

The current extortion approach by clampers will probably hasten their demise as it stands. I got caught for €120 in my own parking space and then had all appeals refused. If that is how they do business then good riddance.

Why didn't you cut it off yourself, nothing beats the satisfaction of hearing a lock been snapped by a bolt cutters, especially when it's attached to an APOCA or NCPS clamp

snaps

monkeypants wrote: »

I doubt the private companies do. Even if they did, what could they accomplish?

getting their clamps back, court summons etc

Fred Swanson

This post has been deleted.

joetoad

This whole thing about damaging the clamp is all a myth and have no clue where it started.

mackeminexile

166man wrote: »

Hold on a minute, if it's private property, i.e someone owns this property, then they are free to give the relative authority to whichever company they wish to clamp people who park on their land, i.e trespassing.

They are given the rights to clamp by the owner of the land.

Actually it is illegal to impede a motor vehicle by attaching a clamp on any land, (motor act 1963) and is punishable by a fine of €200.

joetoad

Never even realized

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19782680

Fred Swanson

This post has been deleted.

monkeypants

snaps wrote: »

getting their clamps back, court summons etc

Does the car owner take responsibility for the clamp by removing it? I'd move the car, put the clamp where it was and leave.

joetoad

monkeypants wrote: »

Does the car owner take responsibility for the clamp by removing it? I'd move the car, put the clamp where it was and leave.

Its all a myth

Mister Jingles

joetoad wrote: »

Never even realized

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19782680

How would somebody go about removing one of those clamps in the picture ? They look a lot more awkward than the ones with chains.

Fred Swanson

This post has been deleted.

ZENER

joetoad wrote: »

Never even realized

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19782680

Some interesting points from those who commented on that article, how does someone in an apartment block stop someone from stealing their parking space that they have paid for in their lease ? What about owners of parking facilities provided for their customers, restaurants etc., what do they do ?

When do motorists start to take responsibility for their actions and think outside the car ??!

Ken

joetoad

ZENER wrote: »

Some interesting points from those who commented on that article, how does someone in an apartment block stop someone from stealing their parking space that they have paid for in their lease ? What about owners of parking facilities provided for their customers, restaurants etc., what do they do ?

When do motorists start to take responsibility for their actions and think outside the car ??!

Ken

They need to install a barrier system

brokenarms

ZENER wrote: »

Some interesting points from those who commented on that article, how does someone in an apartment block stop someone from stealing their parking space that they have paid for in their lease ? What about owners of parking facilities provided for their customers, restaurants etc., what do they do ?

When do motorists start to take responsibility for their actions and think outside the car ??!

Ken

That was my point also. Its situations like that, that clamping should be used.
To stop bad inconsiderate parking.

Not to make profit for scum merchants .

ZENER

joetoad wrote: »

They need to install a barrier system

So the motorist is freed from all responsibility for his/her actions then ? What about the rights of the apartment/restaurant owner ? As motorists we're fond of passing the blame for bad road manners to cyclists and pedestrians, at what stage do we accept responsibility for our own actions ?

Do you think i's right for someone to steal your parking space and go unpunished ? What if everyone from the local factory started to park in your apartment block or employers car-park denying you your spot ? Is that ok ? Do you think they should be allowed to park there and circumvent any procedures your management company put in place ?

This happens where I live on a regular basis, there's no control system in operation here at the moment because the owners don't want it, but that attitude is changing fast. There's a train station (a few hundred meters from the complex) which charges just 2 euro per day for park and ride but some people still are too mean to pay this punitive amount and prefer to park in my space instead. Why should I suffer because of their greed ?

Ken

chrispin

Here you go lads two ways to go about it.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7A9WseN8uI


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHwKLhIpa94

darragh o meara

darragh o meara wrote: »

Called an invertor, the work very well for small stuff but a 1000 watt grinder could be an issue and will drain the battery wry quickly.

mawk wrote: »

And inverters only supply a given wattage. If you buy a 400w grinder, you need an inverter that gives 400+w

The aldi type ones are usually 150-350 kinda range so check if you're buying one

I bought this one, and it can supply 800w continuously and 1000w for 30 mins I believe. Have removed 3 clamps with it and it has never drained the battery. I use the clips to attach it directly to battery.

http://dx.com/p/senpower-1000w-car-12v-dc-to-220v-ac-power-inverter-with-universal-socket-adapter-21983

dr.fuzzenstein wrote: »

It's ROK and it's for sale in Woodies, that means it's sh*te that will either not work from the start or break 5 minutes into using it.
ROK and Rolson? Frankly you'll be better of using this:

The grinder (700w) I use was bought in Tesco for €5 (it was on sale because it was an open box and had a missing handle, normally €25 I believe, fecking bargain!). The disc I have on it is more expensive than the grinder, but that grinder has made Apcoa lose €300+

Keep the inverter and grinder in boot of car with one spare cutting disc, you know, in case of emergency :pac:

Finally, everyone seems to be mentioning the RTA 1961, haven't see anyone mentioned the amended 1984 version which removed public place, and therefore created the grey area.

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1984/en/act/pub/0016/sec0003.html#sec3

Also covered under S9 CJ(PO) Act 1994.
http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1994/en/act/pub/0002/sec0009.html

"Public place" is also defined in the above act (http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1994/en/act/pub/0002/print.html#sec2) Campers do not have lawful authority, end off! Even if a person owns the land, they do not have lawful authority to stop you leaving once you are on the land. If they did, then they have a right to hold you prisoner etc.

djimi

ZENER wrote: »

So the motorist is freed from all responsibility for his/her actions then ? What about the rights of the apartment/restaurant owner ? As motorists we're fond of passing the blame for bad road manners to cyclists and pedestrians, at what stage do we accept responsibility for our own actions ?

Do you think i's right for someone to steal your parking space and go unpunished ? What if everyone from the local factory started to park in your apartment block or employers car-park denying you your spot ? Is that ok ? Do you think they should be allowed to park there and circumvent any procedures your management company put in place ?

This happens where I live on a regular basis, there's no control system in operation here at the moment because the owners don't want it, but that attitude is changing fast. There's a train station (a few hundred meters from the complex) which charges just 2 euro per day for park and ride but some people still are too mean to pay this punitive amount and prefer to park in my space instead. Why should I suffer because of their greed ?

Ken

These are all valid points. The problem in this country is not with clamping, it's down to the fact that it's not regulated. If it was made legal, and properly regulated (ie the clappers had to answer to someone so it would cut out nonsense like their bull**** "appeals" process) then it would be a fair and effective system. The reason it's not at the moment is because it's operated by cowboys who can basically do as they please.

darragh o meara

Mister Jingles wrote: »

How would somebody go about removing one of those clamps in the picture ? They look a lot more awkward than the ones with chains.

Grinder and a 1mm Stainless steel disc and it'll be scrap in a few seconds Its a universal solution for all clamps.

fasttalkerchat

Today I saw something brilliant. One supermarket has a bit carpark with free parking and no barriers etc. Always plenty of spaces and no issue of cars left overnight. They have signs up that a private clamping company operate but never saw any about.
This morning I came upon something inspirational in our fight against the clampers.

Basically, overnight someone had been clamped, picked the lock and then attached the clamp to the delivery gates. A lorry was waiting to deliver and staff were standing around scratching their heads with a manager on the phone. Hopefully they'll learn their lesson that a well placed clamp can hold everyone back!

fasttalkerchat

If your wallet is stolen during a shopping trip and return to your car at a barrier car park with no way to pay can they legally hold your car until you get someone to come with the money? Surely once you give your details they have to let you go... like with paying for petrol.

I think clamping should be the same, once you have signed a contract agreeing to pay you should be released. If you don't pay up they pursue you the same way a catalogue company would.

darragh o meara

Best one I've seen so far was a few years back in the trainstation in Thurles. I had parked the Jeep in the carpark the day before and had a valid ticket on it covering the next 24 hours. However the following day on the way back the train was delayed en route and I was 2 hours late getting back. Of course the clamper was having a field day and had a heap of cars clamped there for parking with expired tickets.

When I got back to the jeep and noticed I immediately went into the ticket office who were having none of it and told me that they had nothing to do with the clampers and that Id have to ring them and explain it to them. So off I went and rang the number which of course was an automated service and was impossible to speak to anyone. I met the clamper and he told me that Id have to pay the fine and appeal it ( usual BS ) So after he went I had a look and the gimp hadnt put it on properly due to the fact that I had big tyres on it and the chain wasnt long enough, So off it came in jig time and I left it into the ticket office for the clamper to collect

Just as I was about to leave the elderly woman in the car beside me who had also been clamped for the exact same reason came up to me and asked me if I could remove the clamp for her too. Feeling sorry for her I had a look and saw that this was one I couldn't get off without a few tools which I didn't have. I offered her a lift home but she refused but used my phone to ring the clampers and try reason with them but again got the same as I had. I offered her a lift again which she took and I dropped her out to her house. That night she rang me to thank me for the lift and to tell me that she had rang the clampers and given her credit card to pay the release fee, however a few mins after it had been removed she rang the bank to tell them she had mislaid her card on the train home and they cancelled the payment to the clampers for her. It was a stroke of genius

Effects

I've appealed a clamp from NCPS before and was successful. They clamped me as I had parked a van in my spot. They had no signs about not parking commercial vehicles. Another time I parked in a visitor spot when someone parked in my, as NCPS had told me to do. I got clamped and the person in my spot didn't. After arguing with the douche bags over the phone I paid up to be released but I glued the lock up first. They rang saying I was responsible for the clamp and I just laughed at them. I'm never paying NCPS for a clamp again. I bought a battery powered grinder that will cut the chain/lock in future.

It's a pity we don't do what they did in France. Everytime you seen a clamp, put a few drops of superglue into the lock. Clamp has to be cut.

Actually, I am going to start doing this!!

You can get cheap superglue in Dealz too!
http://www.dealz.ie/product-range/a-z/super-glue/