OUR VIEW: Let’s lock up the bike theft issue

During the past few weeks, the Police Blotter has listed many bicycles as being reported stolen around campus.

One has to ask, why?

Bikes are certainly a great way to get around campus and are very appealing to a would-be thief – when they are not locked.

With so many students around campus and such a high number of bikes outside most buildings, anyone could go up to a bike rack and walk off with an unlocked bicycle without anyone raising an eyebrow. It isn’t often that someone is seen on campus with a pair of wire cutters trying to rip off a locked bicycle.

About 20 reports of missing bikes have been made to USU Campus Police in the past month. One would imagine students would get clued in that they should lock up their prized transportation possession.

Bike locks can be purchased for as little as $5 from local department stores, even that amount can fit into a modest student budget.

The cost of purchasing a lock for a bicycle would easily be much cheaper than having your bike stolen.

Students be advised: Common sense is the best way to prevent your bicycle from being stolen on campus. Don’t leave bicycles unlocked Copy Ed 10/19/03 omit ‘at’ at when it isn’t in sight. It’s very simple.

Besides, when the number of bicycle theft reports in the blotter starts to decline, it will free up more space to report about the local resident who called the cops to check their freezers for dead cats. Students can keep their bike and get a laugh. Everyone wins.