On Thursday, Sept. 12, the Office of Campus Safety issued an email to students alerting them of recent bike thefts on campus.
The email states, “Since the beginning of the academic year, the Department of Campus Safety has received eight reports of stolen bicycles. The thefts have taken place at different times of the day and night, and in various locations across campus. Many of these thefts have also been reported to the Keene Police Department.”
The email provided insight on how students can prevent their bikes from being stolen: “Most of the reported bike thefts on campus involved unlocked bikes or bikes secured with a less secure lock, such as a cable lock the thief could cut through. Campus Safety encourages community members to register their bikes and to use a hardened steel U-Lock to secure their property. While registering your bike may not prevent the theft from occurring, it can aid in the return of your bike in the event it is located.”
Director of Campus Safety and Compliance Chris Buckley urged students to take necessary precautions when leaving their bike unattended. He quoted: “It’s not enough to put the chain through the tire, it has to be secured through the frame of the bike.”
Buckley added, “Many resident halls have bike racks inside the building. That would be the safest place to store your bike.”
The influx of bike thefts brings an increased presence of Campus Safety.Buckley says, “We have increased our patrols, both on foot and vehicle.”
When a student’s bike goes missing, Buckley assured the cooperation of Campus Safety stating, “We investigate each case individually, checking CCTV cameras, and working with the local police.”
He added, “There are active criminal investigations being carried out.”
Buckley also said, “There have been a couple of arrests, and there have been no reports of stolen bikes since then.”
The recent bike thefts on campus is not just an issue for bike owners.
Kate Witte, Sustainability Coordinator and overseer of Keene State’s Rentable Green Bike program says, “There were five Green Bikes that have been stolen in the last two weeks”
Witte stresses the importance of storing Green Bikes properly, continuing:“Every green bike comes with a lock and key, it’s important that students not only use the provided lock but also understand how it works.”.
One campus bike rider, sophomore Noah Winget said “I mean it’s really bad, I heard someone’s bike got thrown into the river.”
He continued, “I have to think twice now about where I leave my bike, even with my lock.”
Parker Bartlett can be contacted at
