Fall sees dramatic bike theft uptick

In response to the growing number of bike thefts this time of year, DOTS and the University Police are urging riders to rethink how they lock up their bikes.

Earlier this month, the Department of Transportation Services handed out free U-locks when students registered their bicycles, in an effort to get more secure locks into the hands of cyclists.

On average, the number of bike thefts increases from about 11 thefts in August to 23 in September, according to University Police data tracking bike thefts from 2004 to 2008. Throughout the rest of the year, the averages are lower, mostly hovering between three and five thefts per month in the winter and spring. This early semester spike is due to the sudden return of students and bicycles to the campus, police officials said.

But not all bike thefts are noted by the police data — if two bikes are stolen from the same area at the same time, it is considered one theft. Campus police noted that about one or more out of every three bikes stolen are not reported.

"We see a drastic increase in the number of bike thefts during the month of September up to the end of October," University Police Capt. John Brandt said. "As the amount of bikes coming to the school increases as people move back in, so do the thefts."

Although the data from 2009 is not yet available, police expect the trend to continue this semester.

Using U-locks instead of cable locks will decrease the likelihood that students will have their bikes taken, police officials said, adding cable-locked bikes account for over 80 percent of bicycle thefts. DOTS and police recommend all cyclists lock their bikes with a standard U-lock.

U-locks — most of which are made of steel — are much more secure and stable. Most students use cable or chain locks because they are cheap and light-weight, making them easier to carry around but also easier to cut through.

"Cable locks can be cut with a cable cutter in less than three seconds," said Beverly Malone, assistant to the director of DOTS. "You might as well leave your bike up against a tree."

As an extra precaution, some students lock up their bikes using both locks. A U-lock is used to secure the bike to the rack and a cable lock is used to fasten a wheel and to the rack. 

Since in the 1970s, University Police have been compiling a list of individuals who have been banned from the campus for various crimes. Almost all of the thefts that have occurred have been traced back people who are unaffiliated with the university.

That list now contains thousands of names. A large percentage of them have been banned for bike thefts — caught stealing a bike is immediately banned from the campus. If found on university property, they will immediately be arrested and charged with trespassing.

Junior kineseology major Anthony Huling recognizes the safety issues of using his chain lock but doesn't think it makes much of a difference in the grand scheme of things.

"I'm looking into buying a U-lock, but honestly, I'm taking a risk having it out no matter what I lock it with," Huling said. "Someone could steal it or a drunk could slash its tires."

Malone said many cyclists who have fallen victim to thievery have learned a simple but expensive lesson: Trying save money by buying a cheap lock will ultimately cost you a bike.

Junior mechanical engineering major Jeffrey Jones had a bike stolen during October of last year. His bike was locked with a cable lock when it was stolen. Although it was later recovered, Jones isn't taking any more chances.

He now uses a U-lock and registered his bike with DOTS to increase his chances of finding his bike if it is ever stolen again.

"I'm taking every precaution I can to keep my bike safe," Jones said.

lredding@umdbk.com