Bike theft is gaining a lot of attention lately because of the increasing amount of reports on missing bikes on SLU campus, in which most of them were stolen. Bike theft also discourages students from bringing their bikes to campus and also from riding their bikes. Safety and Security Department is currently working towards investigating the reports from students, and also suggesting ways to help students prevent their bikes from being stolen.
On-campus, students are aware of bike theft. Sam Deeney 21’ said that this has just occurred in the past two years and considered it to be very “unfortunate.” “When I was a freshman on campus, whenever people said that their bikes went missing, the missing bikes will show up a few days later somewhere on campus,” he said. “Now bikes are being stolen frequently and some even got their locks cut.” He also said that because SLU is a safe campus, a lot of people never lock their bikes, and maybe that is the main reason for bikes being stolen. “I guess now is high time that we should start locking our bikes,” he suggested.
Safety and Security Sergeant Melanie Locy also said that she has been receiving reports on stolen bikes. While she is working towards solving these reports, she suggested a few ways on bike theft prevention for SLU students who are worried about their bikes. “Students should bring their bike to Safety and Security to register them for free or you can also do it online,” she said. She also mentioned that everyone should get a lock for their bikes and that U-Locks are the best kind of locks because it is harder to cut. “Remember to always lock your bike to a permanent fixture, bike racks, or keep your bike in the basement bike room if your building has one,” she said. Furthermore, she suggests that these tips are also on the Bike Theft Prevention poster from Safety and Security in multiple locations around campus to support and provide information to students.
Aside from the useful tips from S&S, we here at the Hill News would also want to provide you with additional information on how to secure your bike: lock your wheel and frame together, lock your bike in a well-traveled area, and write down your bike serial number. Finally, if you notice any suspicious behavior that might be related to this matter, please call in Safety and Security via 315-229-5555 because your information could help them with solving this problem.