Electric Bicycle and Scooter Thefts on Campus

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Police Department has reported an uptick in electric bicycle and scooter thefts across campus. According to a UWPD crime warning email sent to students and faculty, there have been five thefts since August 13. Thefts of e-bikes and scooters are a recurring issue not only on campus but also in downtown Madison. As students return to campus, robbery rates tend to increase, making it a busy time for the UWPD, who are actively investigating the cases.

Key Takeaways:

• There have been five reported e-bike and scooter thefts on campus since August 13, with thefts occurring outside of various campus locations, including Lowell Center, Union South, Ogg Hall, and Nicholas Recreation Center.
• UWPD has not identified any new hotspots for thefts, but notes that robbery rates tend to increase during the school year as students return to campus.
• Suzanne Brandt, the department's emergency management services director, advises students to keep an eye out for suspicious behavior, such as individuals cutting through locks, and to report thefts immediately.
• Brandt encourages bike and scooter owners to record their serial numbers, brand, and model, and to keep photos in the event of theft.
• UWPD recommends using reliable anti-theft locks, parking in secure areas, and utilizing GPS tracking devices on bikes and scooters.

Statistics:

• Five e-bike and scooter thefts have been reported on campus since August 13.
• Robbery rates tend to increase during the school year as students return to campus.
• 2 thefts occurred outside of Lowell Center, 1 outside Union South, 1 outside Ogg Hall, and 1 outside Nicholas Recreation Center.

Sources:

• The University of Wisconsin-Madison Police Department
• The Daily Cardinal
• UWPD crime warning email to students and faculty
• Suzanne Brandt, UWPD's emergency management services director