The University of Wisconsin-Madison Police Department reported an increase in electric bicycle and scooter thefts across campus, with five thefts since Aug. 13.
E-bike and scooter thefts are a recurring issue on campus and in downtown Madison. While UWPD has not identified new hotspots for thefts, robbery rates increase during the school year as students return to campus, Suzanne Brandt, the department’s emergency management services director, told The Daily Cardinal.
Officers are actively investigating the cases, which include two thefts outside of Lowell Center, one outside Union South, one outside Ogg Hall and one outside Nicholas Recreation Center, according to a UWPD crime warning email sent to students and faculty Monday.
“Keep an eye out, you can tell when somebody is cutting a lock,” Brandt said. “Be aware of suspicious behavior.”
Brandt said students risk theft when they fail to lock up or use locks that are easy to cut. She encouraged owners to record their bike or scooter’s serial number, brand and model and to keep photos in case of theft. Victims should report theft immediately.
UWPD also recommends students use reliable anti-theft locks, consider parking in a garage or other secure areas and utilize GPS tracking devices on their bikes or scooters.
