Curb bicycle theft: USBD gives tips
February 10, 2011 
4 Comments
Theft of bicycles on campus is worrying and is due to the campus being an open area and students being soft targets.
Research has shown that making use of a U-lock is the best form of preventing bicycle theft. Students are therefore advised to make use of these locks. Chain and cable locks used in conjunction with U-locks can provide an added deterrent. Chain locks should be very thick, otherwise it can simply be cut with pliers or broken with a stone.
Local bicycle shops agree that the U-lock is the best form of prevention. U-locks are available at local bicycle shops, prices range from R125 to R199. Students paying cash will receive a 10% discount. Therefore expect to pay more for a decent lock to protect an expensive bike.
Students are reminded to register their bicycles at the USBD office. For identification purposes, students are also advised to keep a record of the bicycle’s serial number, model, colour and any outstanding characteristics.
Information indicates that suspects pose as students which make them less conspicuous. Report any suspicious persons tampering with bicycles to the USBD at 021-808 2330/2333 immediately.
The University is in the process of installing bicycle cages with controlled access and CCTV kameras.
What about student card locked bike cages with CCTV?
Perhaps we should go back to the Bad Old Police State type of controls: licences for all bikes in a given town, that goes onto with your ID and bike serial number and a pic onto a bar-code, and ANYone cycling without proof of ownership, gets the bike removed and a hefty fine?!
It doesnt help to register a bicycle as the USBD and Police are not willing to do anything in the case of a theft. The convention is that nothing can or should be done to recover stolen bicycles but rather, one is expected to have insureance in order to replace a stolen bike. I believe that this only encourages more theft. My proposed solution is to install CCTV cameras at strategic locations around campus. This will help to identify theculprits but, more importantly will serve as a deterrent and at the same time improve general security for all campus goers.