The most popular crime on campus this semester is bicycle theft, and students leaving for the holidays should take their bikes with them, or risk coming back to an empty rack.

The number of bicycle larcenies per month rose from 34 during September to 53 during October this year. There has only been one arrest for a stolen bicycle since August, and another for receiving a stolen bicycle. Very few bikes are recovered.

“We were hammered [with bicycle thefts] in October,” said Christian Bertram, captain of the UNCW police department.

Bicycles are commonly left at school over breaks-the most vulnerable time for a bicycle.

 “The holidays are when we have most bicycle thefts,” said David Donaldson, chief of the UNCW police department.

The following is a list of easy ways the UNCW police department recommends for keeping your bike secure during winter break, and all year round:

1. Take it with you or bring it inside

Bikes are harder to steal when they’re inside. But if that isn’t possible…

2. Use a U-bolt lock

They’re much more difficult to cut than regular cable locks. When the UNCW police remove bicycles, they have to use a grinding tool to get through U-bolt locks. Thieves will go after an easy target, so don’t be one.

3. Lock it to a rack

Think about what you’re locking your bike to and whether it is secure or not. Don’t lock your bike to other bikes, railings or even poles. Officers have seen bicycles stolen because the lock and the bicycle were lifted over the top of the pole. Also, lock the body of the bike to the rack, not the wheel or other parts that can be easily removed. 

4. Take preventative measures

During move-in this year, a quick-release bicycle seat was reported stolen. Securing the valuable parts of your bike to the frame can help keep them safe. Also, registering your bike with UNCW police, or at least noting its description, serial number and cost, will come in handy later if your bike is stolen.

5. Report thefts-in-progress

Call the police if anyone looks like s/he is shopping at a bike rack. It’s easier to catch a bike thief if the crime is reported immediately.

6. Report stolen bikes immediately

Did you get out of class to find your bike missing? Report it early for a higher chance of recovery.