Bike Theft

If your bike is stolen...

The UCSC Police Department recommends reporting the theft as soon as possible.

• If your bike was stolen on University Property, report it to the UCSC Police Department immediately. Officers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They can be reached by calling 831/459-2231. If it was stolen in Santa Cruz City, report it to the Santa Cruz Police Department by calling 831/471-1131.
  
  
• Have the necessary information needed for the report: bike brand name, model, serial number, value, etc.
  
  
• Keep a lookout for your own bike. Many times people are able to find their own bikes.
  If you find your bike, call the Police Department immediately.
  
  

UC Police also suggest several ways to deter theft:

• Register your bike for free. If your bike is stolen, and it was not registered, the chances of recovering your bike are drastically reduced. Thieves are less likely to steal bikes that are registered because they know the serial numbers have been entered into a national computer database. Bikes can be registered for free at the Recreation Department during regular hours, and at the Drop In Maintenance clinic, Thursdays 2pm-5pm at the East Field House.
  
  
• Lock your bike. Using a high quality U lock is the best style of lock to keep your bike safe. Be sure to lock your bike frame to the rack, and if possible, include locking your wheels to the frame. Do not lock your bike to itself. A visual guide for bike locking methods is available as a PDF.
  
  
• Consider bringing an inexpensive bike to campus. They tend to be a less likely target.