The University of Wisconsin-Madison Police Department announced a recent surge in electric bicycle and scooter thefts across downtown Madison Thursday. At least eight e-bikes and scooters have been reported stolen since Sept. 13, according to a UWPD incident report and crime warning email sent to UW-Madison students and faculty last week.
The UWPD believes at least some of the thefts are linked to a single suspect or group. Four of those e-scooters were stolen in the same night.
“Secure your belongings, and if anything happens, report it right away,” Marc Lovicott, executive director of communications for UWPD, told The Daily Cardinal.
While bike theft has been a long-standing issue on campus, the recent spike appears to have targeted electric vehicles in particular. The rise in the number of these vehicles on campus increases the opportunity for theft, according to Lovicott.
“There’s really not a pattern as to what location is more of an issue,” he said. “We think it’s more a crime of opportunity. Whoever’s doing this, they’re scouring areas looking for e-bikes and e-scooters to steal.”
Lovicott said one of the most common mistakes students make is failing to properly secure their bikes or scooters, leaving them vulnerable to theft.
UWPD encourages students to invest in high quality U-locks, which are more difficult to break through than cheaper alternatives like cable locks. Additionally, students are recommended to record their serial numbers and utilize GPS devices in order to prevent bike thefts.
Lovicott also emphasized that students should never attempt to retrieve stolen property on their own even if they can track its location. Contact the police so officers can intervene safely, he said.
The use of tracking devices also aids in the recovery of stolen bikes or scooters, even if the original thief has already sold them for cash.
“We might not be able to find the suspect, but we can at least find the property and return it to that individual,” Lovicott said.
For any suspicious activity or to report a theft, students are encouraged to contact UWPD immediately.
