Really, at some time we need to stop glorifying cowardice and reclaim a little bit of dignity.

As a society, yes, but do you want to be the one to sacrifice your life or livelihood, for the slim chance of having an impact on society?

  A lot of those thiefs are not hardened criminals

Right, but I wonder how long a stolen bike is in the original thief's possession, before it's sold to a fence? And perhaps the fence is in better shape or has buddies for protection against retheft?