Beware of Bike Theft

Bicycle thieves are on the prowl!

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve received several reports of bikes being stolen from University Apartments residents. I’m stepping up patrol activity and keeping my eyes open for the stolen bikes.

Here’s how you can help prevent bike theft:

Lock It Up

· Secure the bicycle frame and wheels to a sturdy, fixed object like a bike rack or a metal post. Or store it in a dedicated, lockable bicycle locker.

Get a Good Lock

· I recommend a quality ‘U-Lock’, ‘D-Lock’, or Kryptonite chain. Cable locks are easily cut in seconds by someone with the right tool.

Invest in the Lock, Not the Bike

· I recommend spending your money on your lock, and not on the bike. There’s a thriving illegal market in stolen high-end bicycles and parts, so don’t tempt thieves with your $4,000 e-bike. A $50 garage-sale bike secured with a $100 lock is a good recipe for retention.

Register Your Ride

· Register your bicycle online at www.bikeindex.org or www.project529.com. Registration not only deters thieves, but also assists in recovering and returning stolen bikes.

Stick It to It

· Remember your University Apartments property stickers! Much like the registration, an affixed sticker makes it far more likely a wayward bike will find its way home.

Follow these steps, and you’ll dramatically increase your chances of ensuring your bike is there the next time you want to take a ride on Madison’s great network of bicycle paths and thru-ways!

Jeff Kirchman

University Apartments Community Police Officer

608-264-2677 | jeff.kirchman@wisc.edu

University Apartments Community Center, Room 131