(Sept. 14, 2009) The University of Colorado Denver Police Department, in an effort to encourage the registration of bicycles, will be giving away 10 “U-Locks” in a drawing on Sept. 30. In order to be eligible for the drawing, you must complete a bicycle registration form and return it to UC Denver Police Department Community Resource Officer, Campus box F409 or fax 303-724-0718.  The registration form must be received no later than Sept. 28 at 3 p.m.  

Bicycle theft is one of the most common crimes on any college campus: The University of Colorado Denver campuses are no exception. There are a few simple steps that you can take to minimize the opportunity for your bicycle to be stolen. 

Even the best locking devices are not an absolute guarantee against a determined and well equipped thief, but making the effort to secure your bicycle with quality equipment is the best way to make a would-be thief think twice. Remember that locks, cables and chains do deter theft.  Quality is the most important factor when choosing security devices for your bicycle.

The most common and effective bicycle security system on the market is the U-lock style. Made of hardened alloys, coated in rubber to protect your bicycle from scratches, these locks are equipped with a barrel type key lock that is protected by the body of the device itself.  Their durability and compact size make the U-lock ideal for the bicycle commuter. 

If you opt for a cable to secure your bicycle, use one that is at least 1/2" thick and which has pinched or welded loops on both ends.  Plastic or rubber coating will help protect your bicycle from damage, but will do nothing to reinforce the cable.  Cables can be used as a supplement to U-locks.  They can be threaded through the rear wheel to secure it to the bicycle frame or rack.  Cables are not theft proof, but the more deterrents you place, the less likely you are to become a victim of theft.

Chains should be at least 3/8" thick and made of hardened alloys to deter all but the largest types of bolt-cutters.  Cables and chains should be secured with high quality keyed locks.  Locks should have a 7/16" alloy shackle to resist being cut.  Combination locks are not recommended since they are particularly vulnerable to hammer blows.

Always use the bicycle racks provided on campus.  They are usually positioned in high traffic, well-lighted areas on the campus and are fastened to the ground.  Position the lock as high off the ground as possible.  This will make it difficult to gain leverage with bolt-cutters, reducing the likelihood of the lock being smashed.  This might force the thieves to make themselves more visible to accomplish the crime.

Always anchor the frame and one, if not both, wheels to the rack.  This is especially important if your bicycle has quick release hubs.

Take seats, computers and any other easily removable parts with you when leaving the bicycle.  Thieves will gladly steal only parts from your bicycle.

Keep a copy of your serial number in a safe place.  If possible, attach it to your bill of sale with a color photograph to assist with identification.  Engrave your social security number on a hidden place on the bicycle.  This will help identify your bicycle if the thief destroys the serial number.  Engravers are available for check out for at the UCD Police Department. 

Register your bicycle - with the UCD Police Department or your local police department.   Keep a copy of the registration with your other paperwork.

Learn to recognize potential thieves.  Tools carried by bicycle thieves include bolt-cutters, hacksaws, hammers and large screwdrivers.  These tools are often concealed in backpacks or coat sleeves.  Report anyone seen loitering around or meandering through bike racks.  Thieves will look for the best bargain - the most expensive bicycle with the cheapest lock.

Be suspicious of anyone who, because of their age or dress, appears out of place with their surroundings (i.e. a group of 12 year old boys on campus late at night, or a person wearing a heavy coat on a warm day). Report them to the University police immediately.  Do not attempt to apprehend a potential bicycle thief yourself. Some are known to carry weapons other than the tools of their trade. 

University Police officers will need a good physical description of the suspicious person, to include:

Gender 

Age  

Race

Height

Weight

Hair color

Clothing description

Direction of travel

Police will also need to speak to you further regarding what you saw. Please, become involved! Report suspicious activity, maybe someone else will do the same for you one day.

If your bicycle or any of its parts are stolen on campus, call the University police right away. Do not handle the lock if it was left behind.

Don’t forget that Colorado traffic laws apply to bicycle riders as well as to vehicles.  Know the laws.