Bicycle thefts are a common occurrence at the Sacramento State
campus with more than 43 reported thefts for the Fall 2011 semester
according to the campus police media log.

Many students and Sacramento residents who leave their bikes on
campus are unaware of the number of bike thefts that repeatedly
happen.

"I hear it happens, but I don't know much about it," said Jeremy
Sawtelle, Senior Psychology major.

When it comes to preventing oneself from becoming a victim of
bicycle theft, students should know what precautions need to be
taken.

"I usually keep it in a crowded area where all of the bikes are;
and lock it up always," said Natalie Vachalek, senior health
science major.

It is recommended by the University Police Crime Prevention Tips
that you license your bicycle with the University Police Department
so that the serial number and description is readily available just
in case the bicycle is stolen.

"My friend's bicycle had a flat tire so he left it on campus
over night and the next day the bike was gone," said Marcelino
Samaguey, junior mechanical engineering major.

To try to prevent these thefts, the campus provides a bike
compound that is staffed during Fall and Spring semesters Monday
through Thursday 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Friday until 5:00
p.m.

During the day staff watch over the bikes, count them and watch
for suspicious people in the area. They will even leave green slips
on bikes to let students know if it is not secured or locked
properly.

Sac State also provides security around campus to watch for
crimes such as bike theft.

"I don't know how much security they're obligated to provide,"
said Rob Orton, senior marketing major. "If you're going to bring
it on campus it's on you (to protect it)."

Although the school provides security throughout the week, local
residents and some students leave their bikes on campus unattended
on the weekends.

"I'm not a student, so I only ride my bike there on the
weekends," said Amanda Marweg, Sacramento resident. "I take a bike
lock so I lock it up every time before I go and I don't know
anybody who has gotten their bike stolen from there so I'm not
really worried about leaving it.

Alyssa Sanguinetti can be reached at anews@statehornet.com.

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