The Globe

Issue date: 10/9/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Kevin Moran Students chain bikes to newly installed bike racks, adjacent to Alumni Park. Bike owners are encouraged to follow precautionary methods to prevent theft.

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.

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