Sometimes even U-Locks aren't enough, plus: UTPD wants to buy you pizza!

Saw a rather disturbing post in today's Campus Watch blotter:

PRATHER HALL DORMITORY, 305 East 21st Street

Theft: A black Trek bicycle was stolen when it was secured with a u-lock and an independently locking cable lock to a bicycle rack located on the north side of the dormitory. The cut cable lock was found on the ground by the bicycle rack. The u-lock was not located. Loss value: $400.00. Occurred between 01/26/09 at 7:00 p.m. and 01/26/09 at 10:00 p.m.

Crime Prevention Tip:
This is a most disturbing development. In Officer Halstead’s and my experiences as a UT Police Officers (some 37 years worth), this is only the fourth time that he and I have heard of someone having their bicycle stolen while it was secured with both a u-lock and a cable lock. In two of the previous cases, the locks were not properly used to secure the bicycle. In any event, in previous cases of both locks being defeated, overall bicycle theft numbers were high. This could be a sign of rising bicycle theft numbers. It is still our contention that using both a u-lock and an independently locking cable lock is the best method to secure your bicycle. When securing your bicycle, make sure the u-lock secures the front wheel and bike frame to the bicycle lock. The independently locking cable lock should secure the rear wheel and bike frame to the bicycle rack. As always, lets all keep an eye on our neighbors’ bicycles. If you report suspicious or criminal activity that leads to the apprehension of a thief, UTPD will buy you the pizza of your choice and have it delivered to you when you want it.

Sounds like I'm not the only one seeing an upswing in bicycle thefts as of late. This is also a timely reminder that even a U-Lock AND a cable lock isn't always a sure bet. The best solution is to bring the bicycle inside with you wherever possible. Even if there are signs prohibiting it, oftentimes the lobby people will let you park your bike inside temporarily if it's just going to be for a short visit, and the seconds you might waste asking are several orders of magnitude more affordable than a stolen bicycle and cut lock.

I've mentioned it before, but I really dig the fact that the UTPD REALLY cares about bike theft, so much so that they're willing to buy a pizza for anyone who assists in the apprehension of a bicycle thief. Hell yeah, so you do the right thing AND get a free pizza out of the deal?!? NICE!