At least four bikes were stolen last month at the University of Memphis, raising concerns about how students can better protect their property.
According to the Campus Police incident log, all four reported thefts occurred in October. Each incident happened outside student dorms. In one case, a cord lock was cut; in another, a combination lock was broken.
“When it comes to protecting your bike there are three things you want to consider: deterrence, prevention, and reacquisition,” said Vanessa McCowen, a former employee at All About Bikes.
Deterrence includes making a bike stand out, adding something like stickers, scars, or having a unique paint on it. This is to make your bike stand out and be easier to find.
Prevention means reducing opportunities for theft like storing bikes inside when possible and using the right kind of lock.
“When it comes to prevention, the most important thing is a good lock,” McCowen said. “Chains or bendy locks break easily and without noise. Always invest in a strong U-lock, aramid folding lock, or anything that requires power tools to remove.”
Combination locks, which many students use, also have the issue of being easily cracked. While combination locks are good for certain circumstances, they are not ideal for locking your bike for long periods of time.
If a bike is stolen, there is still a chance of getting it back. Students should call the campus police non-emergency line to report it stolen. It is also recommended to have a GPS tracker or AirTag to track its location. If students have a location, they should share it with campus police rather than attempting to retrieve the bike themselves.
All recent bike theft investigations were closed by campus police due to a lack of evidence. Only one report included a description of a possible suspect. Students who believe their bikes may have been found can visit the Campus Police Services building between the library and the Student Health Center.
Mel Eleftheriou can be contacted at mlfthrou@memphis.edu.
