[big_man_ting]

This is a terrifying prospect indeed, especially being located in the Netherlands, plenty bikes are getting stolen left and right already.

But I guess this is inevitable, so we'll just have to devise better solutions than the simple locks which in their working principles have not changed in the past 100+ years.

Great market opportunity around the corner I suppose.

[boxed]

Plenty of locks are mostly just for show anyway. See Lockpicking Lawyers youtube channel.

[dnpls]

Yes, but the average bike thief is looking for an easy steal and will avoid wasting time on a locked bike. Bikes in the Netherlands usually have 2 locks (a wheel lock and an extra chain), so thieves will usually move on from those first. A portable laser might allow a thief to steal even previously safer bikes just because it makes it quicker and silent (I'm assuming both).

[adolph]

It is an interesting problem since the existence of one cutter forces on offense forces all defenders to make substantial changes. I suspect the most expedient way will be to semi-criminalize carry of the devices, similar to spray paint in some places.