Campus police arrested a man on Feb. 25 as he attempted to steal a student’s bicycle from a bike rack in front of the T building, reported College Police Sgt. Louis M. Zizzo.

Police identified the thief as Genearo Berber, 39, a non City student. Zizzo said Berber has a criminal history and he is believed to be one of the main players in the thefts of bikes around campus.

Berber was seen by police wondering around the bike rack, but it was when he cut the lock cable and tried to flee that he was apprehended.

The student whose bike was saved from being stolen said she is appreciative that campus police was able to stop the suspect as her bicycle is her main mode of transportation, according to Zizzo.

No contact was made with the victim as of March 3 due to a campus police privacy act.

During the first two weeks of school, campus police reported that eight bicycles were lifted from racks and other areas around campus. Four more were stolen since those initial reports; only two of the bicycles have been recovered.

Campus police said they have increased patrolling in areas where bicycles are parked and locked.

“Students should remain vigilant of their property,” Zizzo advised. He also urges students to “report suspicious people loitering around 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.