Bike thefts are on the rise on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, according to a Wednesday statement from the UW-Madison Police Department.
So far this year, the UWPD has investigated 21 cases of bike theft, nearly double the number of cases investigated last year, according to the statement.
UWPD Lt. Ruth Erwing said in the statement students should take simple measures aimed at preventing bike theft.
“What we try to tell students is to invest in an inexpensive bike, but a quality U-style bike lock,” Erwing said in the statement. “Cheap cable locks can be cut in just a few seconds.”
To combat the growing trend, the UWPD will once again launch its “bait bike” program, according to the release. The program allows officers to track special bikes planted on campus in real-time if stolen and has led to several arrests in past years.
UWPD encourages students to report any information regarding bike theft.
