Take precautions against bike theft

Bicycles are more than an opportunity to exercise for many university students. Bikes oftentimes represent a primary mode of transportation that enables students to make it to class on time.

As classes start up again this fall, the ASU Police Department warns that September is the month when they see the most bikes stolen on campus. Most thefts occur during the day from 1 to 6 p.m., between Tyler Mall and University Drive, and outside of residence halls.

“Losing a bike to thieves can be devastating for students,” said John Pickens, ASU Police Department chief. “We’d like to encourage everyone in the ASU community who rides a bicycle to take precautions to securely lock their bike and to register bikes with the ASU Police Department.”

Registering your bike includes a record of ownership, which possibly can act as documentation for your insurance carrier. Bike registration also can aid authorities when they attempt to locate the owner of a stolen or recovered bike. ASU students, faculty and staff can register their bicycles for free with the ASU Police Department through a simple online process at cfo.asu.edu/bike-theft.

Officers also will be helping students register their bikes during move-in Aug. 18 and 19 at Hassayampa Academic Village and Palo Verde residence halls.

Taking precaution

One of the best ways to guard against theft is to lock a bike securely using two locks. A u-lock can secure the rear wheel, bike frame and bike rack. A second cable lock can go through the front wheel, bike frame and rear tire. Learn how to properly lock a bike by watching this video.

Bike thieves who attempt theft at ASU also will have a more difficult time trying to get away. Bait bikes equipped with GPS tracking systems hidden in the bikes will be stationed around the Tempe campus, aiding officers in catching bike thieves. ASU community members who witness suspicious behavior or a bike theft in progress are asked to report it by using a Blue Light phone on campus, or by calling 480-965-3456.

Suspicious behavior includes a person hanging around bikes with no apparent purpose, someone with a bike riding around bike racks and passing several open spots and individuals with bolt or wire cutters near the racks.

ASU Police also encourages students to buy inexpensive bikes that provide transportation, but are not as attractive to thieves.