Crime Prevention

The University Police Department will, free of charge, loan you an engraver to mark your valuable items. Your driver's license number can be placed on the base or rear portion of the item without marring the appearance of the item. Should you sell or trade an item, simply scratch one line through the number and give a bill of sale to the new owner. DO NOT completely remove the old number as it is against the law to remove or alter serial numbers.

Just a few moments of your time will help you from becoming a victim of a theft and will greatly aid in the return of your item should it become lost or stolen.

Colleges and universities have a reputation among the criminal element as "easy pickings." They are known to be open, friendly, and that valuable property is readily available for the taking. Help us to help you avoid becoming a victim.

To borrow an engraver, stop by The University Police Department in Room 101, of the Student & Business Services Building.

Bike Theft

Bicycle theft is an on-going problem. If you haven't already, you should record the make, model and serial number of your bicycle and store this information in a safe place. It's also a good idea to license your bicycle. The University Police currently provides licenses for HSU students, staff and faculty free of charge (funding courtesy of Parking and Commuter Services Alternate Transportation Program). When you license your bicycle, all the information about your bicycle is recorded and kept at the police department.

While it's not possible to make your bicycle 100% theft-proof, there are some simple steps you can take to increase the security of your bicycle and its parts:

• Use a case-hardened "U" lock; cable locks are easily cut.
• If you use a regular padlock, purchase one with a 7/16" shank, the largest size that will fit the campus bike racks.
• Lock your bike in a well-lit area.
• Lock your bike in an area that can be seen by passing pedestrians or motorists.
• Don't leave your bike locked in a rack overnight.
• Remember to also lock parts attached with quick-release mechanisms.
• Replace quick-release mechanisms with regular nut-and-bolt ones.

The following examples will show you how best to lock up your bike.

Example 1: Poorly Locked

This bike's owner has a good lock, but is using it incorrectly. The lock is fastened to the cable loop on the rack and not the rack itself. The cable is the most easily defeated part of any bike security system. The u-lock should be through the frame of the bicycle and secured to the rack, with the cables looped through the wheels and then onto the u-lock.

Example 2: Poorly Locked

This bike has quick-release mechanisms on the wheels, so the cable should be looped through the wheels to prevent them from being stolen. If possible, this cable-type lock should be avoided.

Example 3: Not Locked

This bike's owner has taken the time to loop the rack cables through the bike wheels and has secured the rack latch. The only thing missing is a lock. No matter how little value you place on your bicycle, there's someone who will steal it. Even a $5.0 0 lock is better than no lock at all.

Example 4: Securely Locked

This bicycle is locked securely. Notice that the u-lock is locked to the bike frame and the rack post. Also notice that the rack cable is looped through the front wheel and attached to the u-lock. If the rear wheel also had the cable looped through it , this bike would be very secure.

Example 5: Securely Locked

This bicycle is locked securely. Notice that the u-lock is locked to the bike frame and the rack post. Also notice that the rack cable is looped through the front wheel and attached to the u-lock. If the rear wheel also had the cable looped through it, this bike would be very secure.

Example 6: Very Securely Locked

This bicycle is locked very securely. Notice that the u-lock is locked to the bike frame and the rack post. Also notice that the rack cable is looped through both the front and back wheels and attached to the u-lock.