UMPD has taken an agressive stance on the problem of bicycle theft on campus. Over 600 bicycles were stolen from campus in the years 2003 and 2004 combined. By 2005, police officers and security monitors had curbed the number to 130 in 2005, and 140 in 2006.

Although we have increased the level of patrol and enforcement of bicycle theft, the most important aspect in reducing these numbers has been raising public awareness. Crime analaysis has shown some distinctive trends in bicycle theft, which can be used to help the public reduce the odds of having their bicycles stolen:

Bicycle Locks: Most bicycles stolen on this campus were locked with a cable or chain style lock. These locks are not adequate. Cost and size makes no difference. Lock statistics for 2008 are as follows:

61% of stolen bicycles had a cable or chain lock cut
29% of stolen bicycles were not locked at all
10% of stolen bicycles were locked with U-style locks

We accordingly recommend using a U-style lock for your bicycle.

Location and Time: Over 50% of the bicycles stolen on this campus were taken between Monday and Friday (Monday and Tuesday being the most likely days), during business hours. Bicycles are most commonly stolen from the Northrop Mall, West Bank Plaza, and Health Science areas.

Despite the fact that thefts are occurring during the busiest times - and in the busiest locations - on the campus, the UMPD 9-1-1 center has received less than 5 calls from citizens observing bicycle thefts. Most people seem to walk right by a theft in progress.

We encourage the public to phone 9-1-1 if they see someone pulling on a locked bicycle, cutting a lock, or removing seats and wheels. Be prepared to give a location and physicial description of the suspect when calling.

Serial numbers: Only 25% of the reporting victims knew the serial numbers of their bicycles after they were stolen. Serial numbers help us to arrest thieves as well as return bicycles to their original owners. Without serial numbers, the likelihood of getting a bicycle back is very slim.

The state no longer operates a bicycle license or registry system. We would encourage people to use their web portal, or an on-line program to track their bicycle serial numbers.