April 18 , 2006
NEWSTheft of bikes rising; U-locks recommended
The number of bike thefts had decreased over the last few years until this spring.
“In the last two to three years there has been approximately four bikes stolen a semester. Since January 1st ... there have already been nine bikes reported stolen” said Capt. Lynn Bray of MCC’s College Safety Department.
Bike thefts are one of the major concerns for College Safety here at Mesa Community College.
Before 1998 there were no certified police officers on campus and no campus surveillances.
In 1998, Officer Lynn Bray was hired to oversee the College Safety Department and help reduce the number of bike thefts.
During that time there were about four bikes being reported stolen every week, recovery as low as 1 out of every 10.
Since 1998 MCC has worked with the College Safety Department and has added not only more certified staff but 24-hour campus surveillance including every main bike rack.
“There are 28-30 cameras on campus and eight more being ready to be installed this year,” Bray said.
With added surveillance and staff the number of bikes being reported stolen went from four a week, to four a semester.
Although the number of bikes stolen have been decreasing over the years it is always necessary for students who ride their bike to and from school to take proper precautions in securing their bike.
Out of all the bikes being stolen on campus, at least half are because they are unsecured.
Thieves generally look for bikes that can be easily accessible, either without a lock or with a lock that can be easily removed.
“U locks work the best. Thieves cut chains and cables but a U lock is what works the best. In over three years I have never seen a bike with a U lock get stolen,” Bray said.
In efforts to keep bike thieves away, College Safety makes sure they try to help any students out that leave their bikes unsecured.
“Anytime we find a bike unsecured, we secure the bike for them and leave them a note telling them to come to the campus safety department so they can unlock it,” Bray said.
Not only does the College Safety staff help secure bikes left without a lock they also provide students with loaner locks in case they accidentally forget theirs.
Even though the number of bike thefts at MCC has slightly increased since the beginning of the year, with the help of College Safety and video surveillance several thieves have been caught and prosecuted.
For all the students who ride their bikes to and from school it is important to take the necessary precautions to ensure a secure bike.
“Put bikes in bike racks, not poles or trees. The safest place is in a bike rack with a U lock. I guarantee if you do that, you will have a 99.9% chance your bike will not be stolen,” Bray said. “We (College Safety) would rather go out of our way to help you. We are here to protect students and their property.”