Twenty on-campus bicycle theft reports have been filed this semester, said a University Police Department official.
UPD encourages students to register their bicycles to help return the property if it is stolen.
Each year, about 1.5 million bicycles are stolen, according to UPD’s website.
Gene Burton, UPD chief of police, said bicycle theft is an issue that they take seriously.
“A bicycle can be a primary mode of transportation for some students and some bicycles can be quite expensive,” he said.
Burton said this isn’t uncommon compared to previous years for this time in the semester.
“We generally have more bicycle thefts in the fall and spring,” he said.
The department has a bicycle registration program that allows students to be proactive.
“[Registering your bike] accomplishes two things,” Burton said. “First, it gives police who might recover your bike a way to return your property back to you. It also helps establish proof of ownership of the bike. Lastly, we recommend bicycle owners to purchase a good lock and diligently use it.”
Registering your bicycle with UPD can help even if you graduate or move. According to the UPD website, the bicycle registration information will stay on file and the Ball State police can provide ownership information.
Additionally, if a bicycle is found with the registration sticker attached, any agency in the U.S. can contact UPD to identify the owner.
Bicycle registration is available to any Ball State student, faculty or staff. To register, visit UPD from 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Sunday at 200 N. McKinley Ave. with the bicycle or receipt that has the color, brand, model and serial number. Students in the residence halls can register their bicycles with the front desk.
“Keep a written record of your bike,” Burton said. “... Also record any distinguishing marks or additions to your bike. Take a photograph of your bike. Keep the receipt of the purchase of your bike.”
