Bicycle thefts on campus

Reid Gustin had his $600 bicycle stolen on Sept. 15 from the Third Avenue Parking Garage. Gustin, a freshman sport, arts and entertainment management major, said a theft report was filed with the City of Pittsburgh Police; however, there is no security camera in the garage, no evidence and he does not expect the culprit to be found.

At least three bikes have been stolen on or near the Point Park University campus since the beginning of the semester, causing campus security to increase patrols.

Two of the bikes were stolen directly from the campus bike rack located adjacent to Alumni Park, - one in broad daylight on Monday, according to Ashley Santaguido, campus public safety bike officer

"Bike racks create crime of opportunity. If it's placed out in the middle of the street, it's easy to cut it [the bike lock] and leave," Santaguido said.

Campus security has consequently increased bike patrols. Campus public safety bike officers, like Santaguido, will be touring the campus more frequently. The campus bike rack where there is a security camera, will also now be viewed on the large screen at the main security desk in Academic Hall.

The two thefts from the campus bike rack seemed to be made by the same person, according to Santaguido. She said a security camera shows footage of a black male with a thin mustache and beard taking both bikes. Reports have been filed with campus security as well as the Pittsburgh Police, Santaguido said.

As of Tuesday afternoon, no security announcement was sent to the Point Park University community through e-mail.

Gustin has already purchased another bike with compensation from his insurance - along with a $40 bike lock. The average bike locks on REI.com, an outdoor supplies retail store, offers bike locks for an average of $20 to $30.

"Get a better bike lock, or don't bring a bike," Gustin said as a suggestion for students riding their bikes to school.

Cable locks are often easy to cut through, and many bike theft prevention Web sites suggest using a U-lock or heavy chain. Lock as much of the bicycle inside the "U" as possible, leaving little room to pry it open. Do not leave the bike locked for an extended period of time. The National Bike Registry, at www.nationalbikeregistry.com, offers some other tips for theft protection in urban areas.

Do not park in residential garages; thieves may take their time sawing through locks in unpopulated garages. Store bikes inside a home or a dorm room, if possible. In commercial garages, park where the attendant can see the bike.

Find a sturdy post to lock the bike. Do not lock it to any sign post or meter without a sign or meter head. Lock the body of the bike as well as both wheels. Remove any lights, speedometers or other expensive items when parking. If a wheel is stolen, do not leave the bike; it is likely that other parts will also be stolen, leaving the owner with only a skeleton.

Register the bike with the National Bike Registry. This is the "only true" national database, according to the Web site, to help law enforcement identify a stolen bicycle. A $10 charge will keep the bike in the database for 10 years. Both the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University have campus bike registries.

Record the bike's serial number and other identifying information, and store that information in a safe place.

Post any thefts on Craigslist under "stolen" and other e-mail lists in the bike community. Sometimes other bicyclists will accidentally buy a stolen bike and later return it to its rightful owner after seeing the online listing. Watch for the bike to appear on Ebay or any similar sites.

To report a stolen bike on campus, contact campus security in Academic Hall. To report a stolen bike in another Downtown area, contact 911 or the local police station at (412) 255-2827.

For more information on bike safety and awareness in Pittsburgh, visit www.bike-pgh.org.