Several bike thefts reported at beginning of year

Over the weekend, seven bike-related thefts occurred on and around campus, but PUPD said that this isn’t something uncommon.

“It’s hard to tell because it’s only been one week,” PUPD Capt. Song Kang said. “Theft is the number one crime on campus.”

Capt. Kang said electric bikes and scooters are also reported stolen which might make it seem like a higher number of thefts.

Bike thefts have been reported outside the CoRec, 1st street, Wiley Hall, Wetherill Hall of Chemistry, 3rd street and McCormick Road.

A bike lock was also allegedly cut outside of WALC.

There are multiple reasons a bike might be reported stolen other than an actual theft. If a bike is incorrectly locked, it can mean that the bike had to be moved.

For example, if someone accidentally locked their bike to another bike and the other person comes for their bike, groundskeeping cuts the lock off. Groundskeeping lets the police know that they moved a bike so if a bike theft is reported they can find it, Capt. Kang said.

PUPD recommends using U shaped bike locks using multiple locking devices as a further deterrent.

PUPD, WLPD, groundskeeping and even local retailers use a 3rd party app called 529 Garage to keep track of bikes. The police use the app to keep track of bikes, but retailers can also use it in case they are reselling bikes to make sure they are not selling a stolen bike. Groundskeeping also uses the app in case they have to cut any bike locks

To register your bike download the app and put in your bike information and a picture of your bike.