From burglaries of residences to theft of bicycles, stolen property is
a common complaint among University students.
Tom Hicks, Department of Public Safety associate director, said theft is a concern on and around campus throughout the academic year and particularly in the residence halls.
“Residence hall theft occurs because other students are given the opportunity to commit a crime,” Hicks said. “A lot of crime could be reduced if rooms were kept secure.” Students living off campus may also find it beneficial to keep their apartments and houses secure.
University junior Matt Hensel said during winter break last year, intruders stole a laptop, cameras and money.
“I know several houses in my area got broken into over break,” he said. “I think that the Eugene Police Department could decrease theft if they increased patrol in student areas, especially over breaks, when many students are gone.”
The most common areas for theft are the EMU and the libraries. Most items stolen on campus are backpacks, wallets, purses, bicycles and laptops Hicks said.
Hicks said many students have their laptops stolen while studying in the libraries because they leave them unattended.
“It happens because it’s late at night and people are distracted and not paying attention,” Hicks said. “Plus, it’s open to the public and anyone can come inside.”
Students can protect their laptops by purchasing a STOP plate at DPS, which leaves a permanent tattoo on the equipment if the plate is removed. The tattoo provides unmistakable proof that the equipment has been stolen, making it traceable by authorities.
Hicks said that items often are stolen out of vehicles, as well.
“Keep the vehicle locked and take expensive items out of the vehicle,” he said. “Stay away from putting valuables in the trunk because many cars have back seats that fold down and give access to the trunk.”
He also said it’s important to park vehicles and leave bikes on campus in well-lighted areas.
“The number of bikes stolen every year varies depending on how many criminals are working in the area,” Hicks said. “Last year, we had a
fairly high number of bikes stolen compared to previous years.”
Hicks said that to prevent bike theft this year, DPS is looking into constructing caged bike areas for extra security, and are strongly
encouraging bicycle registration.
DPS offers bicycle, moped,
motorcycle and vehicle registration and permits to help find stolen property.
“If property is registered, students have a much higher chance of having it returned,” DPS Crime Prevention Officer Robert Guse said. “We have a record of students’ serial numbers for their bicycles on our computer going back to
the 1960s.”
Guse said the only lock DPS is recommending right now is the Bike Club Junior, because this lock will ratchet the rack to the bike.
“The problem with U-lock is the two inches of space between the bicycle rack and the bike,” Guse said. “It’s easy for thieves to put a jack in there to break it.”
Guse said if students want to use a U-shaped bike lock to secure their bikes, they should lock the bike by looping the lock through the back tire, which will fasten the bike frame and tire to the bike rack. He said students should then use a weave cable, because it is harder to cut, to secure the seat and front tire.
“There are so many bike thefts, it’s mind-blowing how many bikes are stolen,” Guse said. “Most bikes are stolen from Bean Complex, but if a bike is locked correctly, it will be fine anywhere on campus.”
Hicks said that if property is stolen on campus, students should contact DPS as soon as possible, and if stolen off campus, they should report to the Eugene Police Department. He said he also wants to encourage students to report suspicious looking people.
“Even reporting someone suspicious helps because it alerts us to problem areas,” Hicks said.