For freshman Laura Brunette, riding her bike is more than just convenient exercise. It’s how she is able to explore campus and reach class on time.
But the threat of bike thieves cause her to become anxious.
“I’ve heard about people getting their tires and seats stolen (from their bikes),” Brunette said. “That makes me a little worried about parking my bike on campus.”
According to [mupolice.com](http://www.mupolice.com), since the beginning of 2011, 52 bicycles have been stolen across Columbia, with 36 of those thefts occurring at MU. In total, Columbia residents and MU students lost more than $15,000 worth of bike property this year.
“There will be certain months throughout the year when seven or eight people will come in complaining about how their bike was stolen,” Cyclextreme assistant manager Melissa Rebstock said. “Usually, when there’s a lot of people coming in talking about stolen bikes, there’s a group of people stealing multiple bikes at a time.”
All of the thefts took place last semester, but MU Police Department Capt. Scott Richardson said it is never too early for students to think about where and how they store their bikes, especially since thieves seem to target MU students.
“The biggest thing I would say that causes bike theft is students get a little careless with their bikes,” Richardson said. “Sometimes people are in a hurry to get to class and don’t make sure their bike is securely locked, or they will put it somewhere that isn’t an actual bike rack.”
MUPD offers cyclists a chance to register their bikes through its [website](http://mupolice.com). There, students can click on a PDF copy of a brochure on how to register their property.
“I didn’t know (MUPD) offered bike registration,” Brunette said. “I don’t have that nice of a bike so I probably wouldn’t use it.”
Others say they use locks as an easier alternative.
“I use a combination lock,” Brunette said. “It’s easier when I’m in a rush and I feel safer when putting my bike at a rack, whether it be in front of my dorm or when I get to class.”
Stores that specialize in bicycles, like Cyclextreme, offer different options for those looking to purchase safe yet affordable locks.
“We carry a number of kinds,” Rebstock said. “Our most secure type is the U-lock, which is a heavy metal U-shaped lock that attaches to the crossbar of a bike rack. It’s the most heavy-duty type we have, and we carry many different brands, like Kryptonite and Trek. For people who don’t want such a serious and possibly less expensive lock, we also carry cable locks, which are easier to use and can be locked with either a combination or a key, whereas U-locks are only locked and unlocked with a key.”
But even with a lock, Richardson said, students need to make sure their lock is actually secured.
“Sometimes, I will see bikes that are locked to free standing structures that aren’t bike racks, like parking meters,” Richardson said. “Those places are actually better for thieves because they can just lift the bike and lock and completely remove it from the structure. When it comes to bikes, definitely keep it at a rack.”
Richardson’s biggest piece of advice for students would be to take care of their bikes.
“Making sure your bike is safe when you leave it is the best way to prevent it from being stolen,” Richardson said. “A little common sense as to where you put your bike would go a long way with prevention of bike thefts.”