Thieves targeting expensive bikes downtown, at CC

Colorado College students riding bicycles to stay fit are being urged to exercise caution with their bikes.

Thieves targeting high-end bikes have been hitting CC dormitories, as well as neighborhoods and businesses in and around downtown. And it seems no bike left outdoors is safe.

Since July 1, CC has reported 25 thefts, or about two a week. That's more bikes than were stolen in all of 2007 on campus, said Ron Smith, CC director of campus safety.

Downtown, at least an additional 19 have been stolen in the same period, say Colorado Springs police.

"We're definitely seeing an increase," said Andy Dukes, a crime analyst in the Gold Hill Division of CSPD. "These aren't your average Wal-Mart bicycles. These are much more expensive bicycles. Bicycles that cost $4,000 or more."

The actual number of thefts could be considerably higher, Dukes said.

"Many more are stolen and not reported," he said.

Police investigators suspect a link between the campus thefts and those downtown because the techniques used are similar.

Heavy-duty bolt cutters are being used to bust through thick cables and even steel U-shape locks to steal expensive bikes from outdoor racks.

Smith said a common tactic of the thieves is to ride up to a bike rack with cutters in a backpack.

"They bend over like they are locking a bike and actually cut the lock off and ride away," Smith said.

He is convinced these are not casual thieves interested in turning a quick buck pawning any old bike. It looks more like an organized operation.

"They know what they are looking for," Smith said. "They are targeting high-value bikes.

They are only taking the big ones. This must be something pretty big."

Smith said CC was sending out an e-mail alert to the school's 2,000 students warning them to guard their bikes and report suspicious people seen lurking around bicycle racks.

"We're telling students to put their bikes in their dorm rooms or in the bike sheds on campus," Smith said.

Smith hopes a photo taken of two men seen hanging around a bike rack recently will help police catch the thieves.

"We are working with police to see if they can identify them," Smith said. "You can tell they are not students. They are poking around the bike racks."

Even bikes locked in bicycle cages at the City Administration Building and the YMCA Downtown have been hit by the thieves, Dukes said.

The YMCA changed its security system, limiting access to the cage, after noticing the crime spree.

"Over the last three months there has definitely been an increase," said Wendy Brez, YMCA spokeswoman. "Now, we basically limit access to the cage to one at a time because of the problem."

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Contact the writer: 636-0193 or bill.vogrin@gazette.com


SECURE YOUR BIKE

Always lock your bike, says the National Bike Registry, which offers a variety of suggestions on its Web site: www.nationalbikeregistry.com.

1 You need a good lock, properly used. Lightweight cable or chain locks are easily cut and offer little protection.

2 Store your bike in a secure place. Many bikes are stolen from yards, porches and bike racks. Garages and dorm rooms are safer.

3 Choose a lock made of hardened steel. The National Bike Registry suggests Kryptonite's Kryptonium Steel Evolution series of U-locks.

4 Keep the lock tight against the bike. A tight-fitting lock makes it harder for thieves to position their tools.

5 Lock your bike near other bikes, preferably near less-secure ones. Thieves will take them first.

6 Remember, quick-release tires and seats mean they can be quickly stolen. Secure them.

7 Leave your bike in the highest gear to make it harder for a thief to quickly pedal away.