Sam Dunaway | News Editor

Many Western students are utilizing bicycles this fall to ride to class, complete errands or enjoy the last remnants of sunshine before the rain takes over. But for many students, the ongoing issue of bike theft on campus leaves them without their only mode of transportation.

Seven campus bike thefts have been recorded since the beginning of fall term, an unusually high number according to Public Safety Office Manager Angela Barry and Public Safety Officer Jessica Roberts. They have tips for students and staff on keeping bikes safe and reducing the number of bike thefts.

First, it’s wise to register the bike with Public Safety. Any individual that will be bringing a bike on campus can take it to the Public Safety office where they will note the serial number of the bicycle and put a registration tag on it. Registration is completely free, and the serial number of the bike will go into the law enforcement data system.

“The biggest thing is trying to identify who it belongs to,” explained Roberts. “We’ll see a hundred bikes out there and have no way to figure out who the owner is. It gives you that identification piece and if it does get stolen, then it’s easier to locate the owner.”

Second, report the bike theft immediately both on and off campus. Bicycles that are stolen on campus can be taken off campus, so it would be wise to notify the Monmouth Police Department of the theft in addition to Public Safety.

Lastly, keep the bike in a safe area. This includes properly locking it to a bike rack, even for short periods of time. Barry and Roberts suggest investing in a sturdy, metal lock instead of the easily-broken plastic type.

If individuals are concerned about leaving bikes unattended, university housing allows students to keep the bikes inside a residence hall room as long as it doesn’t pose a fire hazard.

Bike lockers are also an option. Located near APSC, ITC, Bellamy Hall and the old education building, bike lockers provide a safe and reliable alternative to bike racks.

Roberts notes, “basically theft comes down to a crime of opportunity; people will see bikes unlocked or easily accessible and it becomes an issue.”

Public Safety is open 24/7 for bicycle registration or reports of theft.

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu