Bike theft on campus is increasing at an alarming rate. Forty bikes have been reported stolen this year compared to 12 this time last year.
Twelve of the 40 thefts this year have occurred at the bike racks located on the sidewalk area between University Library and the Liberal Arts-1 Building, University Police Officer Scott Brown said. The narrow, sheltered sidewalk allows a thief to easily block the view of a passerby.
This year, four bikes have been stolen from the Parkside Commons dorm area and three from the College of Business Administration building.
University Police are increasing patrols in the bike rack areas and are taking undisclosed steps to solve these crimes, Brown said.
Bicyclist can best protect their property by using a U-type lock. "Only one U-lock has been successfully broken [in on-campus thefts] in six years," Brown said.
Bike registration is a city ordinance requirement that plays an important role in the recovery of stolen bikes. Registration records the bike's serial number with local and state law enforcement agencies. Without registration, recovery of a stolen bike is
almost impossible, Brown said.
Bike registration and U-lock purchases are available to students, faculty and university employees at the University Police Building.