Bike Thefts A Common Occurrence, Officials Say
UAPD has had reports of bicycle thefts all year, officials said. To protect bikes, there are simple ways to prevent theft.
Students who get their bikes stolen most of the time don’t get them back, said UAPD Lt. Gary Crain.
There are some very simple ways to protect bikes from theft and, in the case of theft, get it back. UAPD shares the top 10 ways to do so.
•Register bikes with UA Parking. This keeps it tagged and makes a record of the bike.
•Record all of information. Keep records of the serial number, description and photographs of the bike.
•Use LeadsOnline. This service records all of the information about your personal property-serial numbers, descriptions, photographs, price- and allows sharing it with law enforcement in the event that it is stolen.
•Keep bicycles locked any time they are unattended with a good “U” type lock. Second choice would be a good case-hardened padlock and cable. Be sure the “U” lock or cable go through the front wheel, rear wheel and the frame, and secure it to a fixed object. “U” locks are available for purchase at UAPD headquarters.
•Check the lock by pulling on it to make sure it is secure.
Use an engraver to place an identifying mark on unpainted major bicycle components.
•Never loan a bike to strangers.
•Report theft in a timely manner. The sooner it is reported, the more likely it is that it will be found.
•Put bikes in room/house during university breaks, such as Thanksgiving or Spring Break. During breaks, it is easier to steal a bike from a bike rack because there are less witnesses in the area.
•Take bikes home during summer break. Bikes left on campus over break will either be stolen or confiscated by UA Parking staff.
