Bicycle Thefts Increasing On University Of Kentucky Campus

From the University of Kentucky:

October 12, 2020

By Kathy Johnson

With an increase in the reports of bicycle thefts on the University of Kentucky campus this semester, UK Police are advising owners to take more aggressive means to keep their bikes safe.

Four suspects are being charged, but other theft cases are still being investigated. UK Police investigations have found that thieves are choosing bicycles that are unsecured or are secured using braided cable or chain style bicycle locks. These locks are easily broken with small, handheld bolt cutters or pliers that easily conceal inside a pocket.

Here are tips for students, staff and faculty to deter the theft of their bicycles while on campus:

• If planning to store your bicycle for multiple days at one of the racks on campus and your bicycle is equipped with a “quick detach” style front wheel, remove the wheel and store it in your residence hall, office or other safe location.
• Purchase a “U Lock” style bicycle lock made of solid metal instead of braided cable. Amazon has multiple vendors for 12 mm-16 mm thickness U-Locks varying in price from $20-$50.
• Make sure your lock goes through the frame (any part of the bike that is welded together and does not move). Moving parts of the bike like the wheels, handlebars, seats, etc. can be easily removed, so locking through the frame ensures it will be safe.
• Register your bicycle with UK Transportation Services to provide a readily accessible record of the bicycle description and serial number for UKPD or other police agencies if your bike is stolen.
• At the very least, record the bicycle serial number and store it in a safe place.

Other useful information for bicycle owners can be found on the Transportation Services website: www.uky.edu/transportation/bicycle-information and www.uky.edu/transportation/bike.

If anyone has any information regarding a bicycle theft, please contact UK Police at 859-257-8573.

This press release was produced by the University of Kentucky. The views expressed here are the author’s own.