Paris Bike System Plagued By Theft and Vandalism

"Over half the original fleet of 15,000 specially made bicycles have disappeared, presumed stolen."

"They have been used 42 million times since their introduction but vandalism and theft are taking their toll."

"The company which runs the scheme, JCDecaux, says it can no longer afford to operate the city-wide network."

"Hung from lamp posts, dumped in the River Seine, torched and broken into pieces, maintaining the network is proving expensive. Some have turned up in eastern Europe and Africa, according to press reports."

"Since the scheme's launch, nearly all the original bicycles have been replaced at a cost of 400 euros ($519, £351) each."