heracleitus

While driving today I saw a man trying to extract a bike chained to a street sign by standing on a stepladder and lifting it over the sign. Although I only noticed it right at the moment that I drove by, I considered turning around and asking him what he was doing; however, even if the bike wasn't his, I doubt he would have told me the truth and I would be in position to contradict him. What would I do? Ask him for the bike registration? The only reason I mention it is because the stepladder sticks out in my mind. It, by itself, added a feeling of legitimacy to the situation. I'm not sure it should have, but it did nevertheless. I mean, what are the chances of a man walking by, seeing a bike, and then going however far he would have to go and through whatever trouble to steal a bike? Maybe I'm just not wise enough in the ways of the world...