NC West Virginia News

The West Virginia University Police Department issued a Community Notice on Wednesday, September 18, advising bicycle and electric scooter owners to take extra precautions following a recent increase in thefts.

Since August 25, the University Police Department (UPD) has received five reports of bicycle or electric scooter thefts from outside on-campus locations, including Reynolds Hall, Summit Hall, and Boreman South. In most cases, one or more locks were cut during the thefts.

UPD has increased patrols in the affected areas and is investigating these cases with support from surveillance video and other techniques.

Anyone with information is asked to call UPD at 304-293-COPS (2677) or visit the department at 992 Elmer Prince Drive. Information may be shared anonymously.

While preventing theft is never guaranteed, UPD officers advise taking several steps to protect bikes, scooters, and similar vehicles and increase chances for recovery if stolen:

- Instead of securing your bike with a cable lock, use a high-quality U-Lock to secure your bike to one of the designated bike racks. U-Locks are harder to cut than traditional cable locks.

- Avoid securing your bike or scooter to sign poles or other objects as they are not as secure as bike racks.

- Lock your wheel and frame together to the bike rack.

- Take a clear photo of your bike and document the serial number. UPD offers bicycle registration services to track down stolen bikes.

- Conceal an Apple AirTag or similar GPS tracking device on your bike. There are multiple custom holders available online for this purpose.

- When possible, do not park your bike outside for extended periods.

- Report any suspicious activity or individuals carrying or concealing bolt cutters or other cutting tools to UPD.

- If your bike or scooter is stolen, report the incident immediately to UPD at 304-293-COPS (2677).

- Download the LiveSafe app for direct two-way communication with UPD and allow push notifications for the latest safety information.

Additional resources include:

- WVU Police Department: 911, 304-293-2677, 304-293-3136

- WVU CARE Team

- WVU Carruth Center: 304-293-4431

- WVU Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: 304-293-5600

- WVU Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities: 304-293-8111

- WVU Faculty-Staff Assistance Program: 304-293-5590

- Rape and Domestic Violence Information Center: 304-292-5100

-WVU Office of Campus and Community Life: 304-293--5611

-WVU Student Health: 304--285--7200

-WVU Division of Student Life: 304--293--5811

Health, safety, preparedness, and training resources are posted at safety.wvu.edu and police.wvu.edu.

Students and employees are encouraged to follow the WVU Safety and Wellness Facebook page as well as @WVUsafety on X. They should also download the LiveSafe app and allow push notifications for the latest safety information.

A Community Notice is part of the WVU three-tiered emergency notification system used to enhance student and employee safety and provide useful information to the community.