Stroller Theft- Really does it happen alot?

[deegack]

We brought out $800 stroller and didn't have a problem. We took a few precautions - put our name is several places some obvious some not, did not leave anything valuable in it (IMO people are more interested in your camera, iPod, phone etc than you stroller). We did have a buggy guard buy only used it a couple times. I think the instances of stroller theft are exaggerated and probably most are mistaken identity. If you get 100 of the same strollers together someone will take the wrong one.

 

[milmore104]

I purchased a buggy guard for our trip in September. I don't want my $450.00 stroller to disappear!! I figured it can happen...so why ruin my trip. The buggy guard is only $20.00!!

I bought one as and used it on our last trip to WDW. I was nervous after reading people had been stealing stroller (higher end ones). Seeing my stroller was around $950 w/ acc. I didn't want to take a chance. The Buggy Guard worked out great. My DH would just locked the 2 back wheels together and thru our diaper bag (Did want someone to walk away w/ that.). And then when it's not in use it just straps right to the stroller. It was great. We will be using it again in next month when we go again!

I love the idea of embroidering your stroller. I am getting a new embroidery machine and that's a GREAT idea.

 

[newdeal]

Its not common and with your stroller in the sea of 1000 others chances yours would get snagged if someone is looking to rip off a stroller are next to none. I wouldnt even worry about it in the slightest. You could go to all the trouble oof renting but you would probobly pay more to rent than your stroller is even worth

 

[Skye23]

For those of you with expensive strollers (or for that matter small children who run off). They do sell GPS locators, there are several different styles available. Most require a smart phone of some sort to use the app to see where the item/person is. I did a 1 minute google search and found several types available for $100-$200. The benefit is most of these can be removed from say one 1 object and placed in another. Some tie onto children's sneakers, some could be hidden say in a pocket of a stroller, some can be used on bicyles etc. Heck, some of them can be attached to a dog's collar or vehicle like a car. So if you were really worried you could search online for one that suited you, use it for the stroller at Disney and then use it later on for any number of purposes.

 

[trirae]

I remember when we took our first family trip in 2004, I read all the stroller theft threads, and I considered all the ways I could deter someone (like the dirty diaper idea that used to go around). We had just purchased our Maclaren, and I was worried. Of course, now, I've taken that Mac to Disney World 5 times (and countless other places, including amusement parks). I don't even think about it anymore.

I am sure we feel more secure because nothing bad has happened to us. I think statistically, given the number of strollers that pass through the parks in a day, it has to be a fairly low percentage of thefts that occur. I really don't worry at this point, but I understand your concerns.

It would be hard to be without it though.

 

[Queen2PrincessG]

it sucks because the Maclaren wheels are solid so there is no way to put a stroller lock on it.

If anyone has the Triumph and has any idea can you let me know?

 

[aleshad01]

We always bring our own stollers and have never had a problem.

 

[soarinup]

I hope someone can shed some light... we plan on taking our Baby Jogger City Select double stroller and I paid about $700 for it... I'd DIE without it.

$700!

 

[innoculation]

Wow how times change. Shame on people today. I have been to WDW several years with strollers - never thought twice about them getting stolen, and never had an issue.

So sad that people can consciously steal, let alone in broad daylight.

 

[tinkerbellybutton]

I can see wanting your most comfy wheels with you in the park. But I probably wouldn't take a chance on a $700 stroller. But then what do I know. I'd never buy a $700 stroller.

You took the words right out of my mouth!

 

[PrincessArlena'sDad]

We had our stroller parked in the proper area by the Land. When we came out, it was gone. Knowing CM sometimes move strollers around, we looked all over the area, butW no stroller.

We were about to leave, anyway, so we started to walk towards the exit. As we're passing spaceship earth, we see a lone stroller parked over to the side that looked like hours. We go over to it, and sure enough, it ours! (we were positive because it had DS' happy birthday pin attached to it, which was decorated by the CM in a unique way).

Any guesses what happened?

 

[WJD2011]

I would not recommend bringing any stroller worth $200 or more to WDW. I came back recently from WDW and I recall while in AK someone had left a Bugaboo stroller (they generally retail between $550 and $1,000) in the stroller parking area for the Lion King show. I saw some guy testing out this stroller and it was clear that it was not his stroller. I was busy getting pictures and autographs for my 17 month old son (btw, this area is a great place to get both pictures and autos as most people just come back to get their strollers and leave), but I did mention to a CM that they guy looked a little suspicious. I was also amazed throughout WDW how much stuff (souveneirs, media equp, etc.) people left in bottom of their strollers. I would recommend the approach of taking anything with you that you would be upset if it was lost or stolen.

 

[soarinup]

We had our stroller parked in the proper area by the Land. When we came out, it was gone. Knowing CM sometimes move strollers around, we looked all over the area, butW no stroller.

We were about to leave, anyway, so we started to walk towards the exit. As we're passing spaceship earth, we see a lone stroller parked over to the side that looked like hours. We go over to it, and sure enough, it ours! (we were positive because it had DS' happy birthday pin attached to it, which was decorated by the CM in a unique way).

Any guesses what happened?

Someone was tired of walking with a toddler and used yours to get to the exit without actually stealing it.

 

[KAA1972]

Take your expensive stroller-- that why you bought a good stroller-- to use it! But, if worried- lock the back wheels with a stroller lock and put your name on your stroller. I have taken a baby jogger and a city mini and have never had issues. We did lock the baby jogger on occasion- simply because it wouldn't be easy for us to replace budget-wise. An 8.00 lock gave me some peace of mind about theft.

 

[SueM in MN]

it sucks because the Maclaren wheels are solid so there is no way to put a stroller lock on it.

If anyone has the Triumph and has any idea can you let me know?

Some people have put a lock on the stroller that goes across the seat, so it won't be comfortable to ride in it or a lock that prevents it from being folded.
If it can't be folded, it can't go on the buses and the lock would need to be cut to fold it and put it in a car trunk.

CMs have posted in the past that a fair number of 'stolen' strollers are left either because someone can't get it into their vehicle or the bus or because they 'borrowed' it to get their child out of the park ( and stopped short of 'actually' stealing it).

People have also posted in the past that they accidentally took someone else's stroller and didn't realize until later when they went to get something that was attached to 'their' stroller and it wasn't there. Some of those people might abandon it at the point they notice the mistake.

 

[Oglet]

Some people have put a lock on the stroller that goes across the seat, so it won't be comfortable to ride in it or a lock that prevents it from being folded.
If it can't be folded, it can't go on the buses and the lock would need to be cut to fold it and put it in a car trunk.

CMs have posted in the past that a fair number of 'stolen' strollers are left either because someone can't get it into their vehicle or the bus or because they 'borrowed' it to get their child out of the park ( and stopped short of 'actually' stealing it).

People have also posted in the past that they accidentally took someone else's stroller and didn't realize until later when they went to get something that was attached to 'their' stroller and it wasn't there. Some of those people might abandon it at the point they notice the mistake.

And then they turn up for sale by Disney at property control

 

[deegack]

You took the words right out of my mouth!

Different people have different needs for strollers. I use mine multiple times a day in many different types of weather even today before Irene hit. There is no way a $200 graeco could handle it and be easy to push. Besides dh is 6'7 it hard to find a stroller for both of us.

 

[moonpie85]

I'm tall also and we bought the Maclaren Techno XLR and love it! It has extendable handles and I (6'7") can push it all day long without any back problems.

Awesome thanks for the suggestion! I will check it out

 

[dolly-dawne]

Hello, original poster...please never feel like you should explain why you have an expensive item(like your stroller) that is only your business and heck we all do waht works best for us at some point. your children are your treasure and their safety and convenience to you and your husband are what matter most.. I would like to mention that you talk of being lost without it on returns from the park with your children and packages. as someone mentioned send (for free) your packages back top the room and please-please remember that you MUST fold up your stroller prior to boarding buses and trams. There is nothing like being frazzled at a bus stop when the driver comes and tells you to fold it up and your babies are sleeping and you have 10 packegaes to unload. Ir your looking for a great way to keep track of them and they are walking...I loved elastic bands on the wrist with spring coard for lenght. I know they actually make these now but when my kids were young I improvised.

 

[SueM in MN]

And then they turn up for sale by Disney at property control

That's what I've also been told.
Apparently a lot of people assume if it's not found right away, it will never be found and they don't check back with Lost and Found.