Eight bicycle thefts were reported on campus during the first two weeks of classes, said campus police. Of those, only two have been recovered.
College Police Sgt. Louis M. Zizzo said bicycle thefts happen on campus throughout the school year but six in one week is “uncharacteristic.”
“When a bike is stolen, we take the report and the bike’s description and serial number get entered into the stolen property system,” Zizzo explained. “If an officer stops someone on a bike they suspect to be stolen they could run the serial number.”
City student Luis Caballero said he “always parks (his) bicycle close to (his) classes and move(s) it every time (he) goes to a different classroom.”
Caballero suggested students get the U-lock because, “It’s very durable so it’s harder to break through.”
Engineering student Ben Maclin said he parks his bicycle in high traffic areas to avoid theft.
“The way people lock up their bikes is important,” added Maclin. “The lock needs to go around the entire frame of the bike in order for the bike to be totally secure.”
Campus police said they have increased patrolling in areas where bicycles are parked and locked. Zisso also said, “Students should remain vigilant of their property and report suspicious people loitering bicycle areas or if their bicycle has been stolen.”
To report a bicycle theft or any other crimes around campus contact College Police Dispatch at 619-388-6405 or go to the police station located in room T-211.
Campus police give the following
recommendations to prevent bike theft:
1.Avoid Cable Locks: The use of cables or chains to secure bicycles is ineffective; thieves using tools such as bolt cutters easily defeat these locks.
2.Copy down your bicycle serial number and take a picture of your bicycle. If you are the victim of a bicycle theft, assist law enforcement by providing them with a serial number of your bicycle (usually found under the frame) and a picture when filing a police report. This will increase the chances of a recovery of your bicycle.
3.Park your bicycle at a designated bicycle rack: Bike racks on campus are in high visibility areas. This will reduce your chances of becoming a victim of bike theft.
