After reviewing its October statistics, the University Police Department reported an increase in on-campus bike thefts and hit-and -run vehicle accidents in 2014.
Lt. Allan Baron, UPD public information officer, said 159 bikes have been stolen so far in 2014 compared to 150 for the entirety of 2013. One factor that has led to the increase in thefts is the increase in bikes on campus.
“As our community continues to grow, the numbers of bicycles on campus are increasing,” Baron said. “In many of the reports taken, students are not securing their bicycles or using adequate bicycle locks.”
As for hit-and-run vehicle accidents, Baron said UPD received 24 hit-and-run reports in September. That number increased to 30 for October.
Baron said hit-and-run vehicle accidents occur when a vehicle strikes another vehicle or object without the driver complying with the law of locating the owner of the other vehicle and leaving information.
“The driver [should] locate the operator or owner of the unattended vehicle or property, and provide them with your name and address,” Baron said. “You can also securely attach a note with your name, address and a statement regarding the circumstances of the collision to the unattended vehicle or property.”
Baron said students can help reduce the number of bike thefts by locking their bike properly, preferably using a U-bolt style lock. “When locking your bicycle, it is important to secure both the bicycle frame and wheel to the bike rack,” Baron said. “Students should also have their driver’s license number engraved on their bicycle and record the serial number. This will help law enforcement identify the owner if the bicycle is ever stolen and recovered. Students are also encouraged to register their bicycle with Transportation Services.”
Rod Wagner, owner of Aggieland Cycling, said employees encourage every student who buys a bike to also buy a lock.
“We push that probably as hard as we push a helmet or anything else,” Wagner said. “It’s crucial. I mean, when you’re investing the amount of money that you’re going to invest in a good bicycle, you need to have a good lock.”
Rod Steedly, alternative transportation manager for Transportation Services said there are more than 10,000 bikes on campus.
Steedly said bike theft is typically a crime of opportunity. If thieves see a locked bike or one with a registration sticker, they are more likely to move on.
Baron said the legal consequences of bike theft depend on the value of the stolen bike. He said most bikes on campus are valued $50-$500, classifying their theft as a Class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $2,000 and 180 days in jail.
UPD has several initiatives to help reduce the number of bikes stolen. Throughout the year, students can have their bikes engraved with their driver’s license number for free. UPD also utilizes “bait bikes” UPD can track if stolen. Baron said 14 people since January have been arrested thanks to bait bikes.
While he thinks the engraving system is great, Wagner did have a word of precaution for students.
“There are zero drawbacks except for one,” Wagner said. “Some manufacturers, if you engrave their frames, it voids the warranty of the frame itself. That is a precaution that we give our customers.”
Even without an engraving, students can register their bike with Transportation Services. Wagner even suggested writing the serial number or driver’s license on a card and slipping it into the seat post.
Baron said that while the number of thefts has increased, recovery rates are high as well. UPD’s recovery rate for 2014 is 50.9 percent.
Steedly said for some students, a bike is their only form of transportation.
“Your bike is like your car,” Steedly said. “You really need it to be reliable and be there when you get back. If you lock your car, why don’t you lock your bike properly?”