To help curb the rising number of bike and e-bike thefts on campus, the UW Police Department recently launched a bait bike program that’s already getting results.
It didn’t take long for someone to take the bait. Just 45 minutes after officers first placed the bait bike, a person attempted to steal it. The suspect, who had active criminal warrants, was taken into custody. Criminal charges for theft will be forwarded to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
As word gets out about the bait bike, UWPD hopes it will deter theft, reducing the overall number of stolen bikes and e-bikes on campus. The UWPD program is similar to successful bait bike strategies used by other city and university police departments across the county.
To help keep your bike safe, officers recommend:
Lock up bikes and scooters
Use a U lock, and consider using two locks. Yes, this is inconvenient, but it can make it significantly tougher for thieves to take your bike or scooter. If you’re leaving your ride for an extended time, use a U lock and a chain lock. Lock your bike or scooter to a strong anchor, like a bike rack. Or consider using a UW bike house or individual bike locker.
Report suspicious activity near bike racks
This helps UWPD catch thieves in the act. You can call 911 for immediate danger or the UWPD non-emergency line at 206-685-UWPD (8973).
Register your bike or scooter
Register your e-bike or e-scooter with Bike Index. Knowing your serial number makes it easier to return your bike to you if it ever gets lost or stolen and then recovered. Recovery does happen!