EUGENE, Ore. – According to the University of Oregon’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) records, the number of bicycles reported stolen dropped from 84 in 2005 to 29 in 2006 (between Jan. 1 and April 26 for both years), a decrease of more than 65 percent.
DPS officials attribute the decline to increased bike patrols on campus. Additionally, officers are now more proactive in contacting individuals who appear to not have a good reason to be on the university’s grounds.
The school has a history of bike theft, fueled by the methamphetamine epidemic that plagues the surrounding area. According to police, thieves often exchange bikes worth as much as $1,000 for $25 worth of drugs.
Bicyclists can help to prevent thefts by locking and registering their bikes.
