It's no news that bike theft is a big problem at ASU. That's why political science freshman Bobby Kirby was surprised when ASU police returned his bicycle to him the same day it went missing.
Bike theft is the most commonly reported property crime at ASU, said Officer Randy Hoyum, of ASU Crime Prevention Unit.
About 1.5 million bikes are stolen every year, according to the National Bike Registry.
Bikes are stolen at all times during the school year, but the first month of classes, spring break and winter break are when bike thefts are most common, Hoyum said.
Kirby discovered his bike had been stolen when he was leaving Hassayampa Academic Village at about 8:30 a.m. Aug. 31.
"I was pissed," Kirby said. "I'd given up on humanity."
But things began to look up when Kirby's friend spotted a flier with his recovered bike later that day - ASU police had caught the man stealing it earlier that morning just outside Hassayampa.
"I never thought I'd get my bike back," he added.
Most cases don't turn out the same way, Hoyum said.
Thirty bikes were reported stolen to ASU police during the first three weeks of the fall semester, while 34 bikes were stolen during the same time period in 2005.
Spending at least $30 on a quality u-lock, and riding a cheaper bike are a few things students can do to avoid ending up on foot, Hoyum said.
"Cheaper bike, expensive lock," he said. "We've used that line for years."
Students should also register their bikes so they can be traced back to the original owner if found, he said.
Bikes can be registered at a local bike shop or through the University at the Student Recreation Complex bike co-op, he said.
Sgt. Eugene V. Mejia, of UA'S crime prevention unit, said bike theft is an on-going problem at UA as well.
"Large universities are shopping malls for bike thieves," Mejia said. "There's no getting away from that."
UA had 327 reported bike thefts in 2005 and 417 in 2004, Mejia said.
Ron Silas, a manager at Tempe Bicycle located at 122 E. University Drive, said students should take one more step to secure their bike.
"Leaving a bike outside overnight can attract a thief," Silas said.
Silas acknowledged this might not be convenient for students.
In Kirby's case, his $150 bike was stolen at about 2 a.m., Hoyum said.
Reach the reporter at Jeffrey.mitchell@asu.edu
