Bike Thefts at NEIU

Despite continuous NEIU Police effort to make the campus a safe place, the campus suddenly faced an increase in bike theft since this past June. On busy days, students have a difficult time finding a spot to park their bikes around the university commons. Due to these issues, the need for more bike racks is strongly felt by the students, as they helplessly rely on poles and fences, which are unsafe for parking bikes.

“The police department has employed six bike patrol officers since last December for the campus,” said Officer Brandon D. Fields. “We keep on patrolling throughout the campus the whole day but professional bike thieves are in for quick opportunities.”

“Students need to be aware of the consequences of leaving bikes not properly locked or even unlocked carelessly,” said Fields, “even the U-shaped high security locks, of being low quality, can be easily broken down by expert thieves.” It is necessary to put the U-lock through the frame, not just through a wheel. 

It is recommended giving the lock one final tug to make sure it’s locked. “The lightweight cables or chains can be easily cut, and cutting and getting away with the bike wouldn’t take more than 10 to 15 seconds,” said Fields. “Parking bikes at any dim lighted location could be risky too, to some extent.” 

“While we keep on patrolling through the campus, we just can’t search everyone walking in; anyone could have cutters in their pockets,” Fields said, “as cutting chain locks wouldn’t take long, the thieves are so quick and in rush hours like mornings and during activity hour, or during any event taking place outside, they are in for every quick opportunity.” 

“I request the students to be active and keep an eye out on campus,” said Fields, “if you see anyone hanging around a bike rack with no apparent reason and for a long time, please contact NEIU Police at extension 4100 from any university phone.” 

Students should record their bike’s serial number, while engraving those numbers on the frame is a good option. Students are also strongly recommended to register their bike in the National Bike Registry at www.nationalbikeregistry.com.