As a way to deter bike theft in Eugene, EPD patrol officers and detectives have placed a changing supply of bait bikes at various locations to combat the problem and arrest those who are responsible.
On January 16, Property Crimes detectives conducted a bike theft sting at a bike rack in downtown Eugene. At approximately 7 p.m., detectives used a ‘bait bike,’ and placed it in an area of the city where property crime has been problematic. The bike was left unattended and a man, later identified as Austin Henry Johnson, age 39, of Junction City, was observed riding away with the bike and a trailer that had been attached to the bike. Detectives contacted Johnson a short distance from the bike rack and arrested him with for Theft in the First Degree. (Case 19-00873)
EPD Crime Prevention offers these prevention tips:
Proper locking, bike registration, and theft reporting are key elements in combating bike theft.
A great first step to take is documentation. It is critical to document your serial number, take a photo and register your bicycle.
Presently, there are more than 7,000 bicycles registered with the Eugene Police Department and we would like to see all bicycles in Eugene registered! Though registration does not protect your bicycle from being stolen, it drastically increases your chances of recovery. Registration is fast and free for City of Eugene residents living in the incorporated area of Eugene. You can register your bicycle 24/7 via our website at: http://www.eugene-or.gov/bikeregistration. If you do not live in the incorporated area of Eugene, or live in another city, there are other alternatives mentioned in the link on our website.
Equally important as registration is the use of a quality U-lock and cable lock. No lock is undefeatable, but U-locks used along with cable locks, will provide much better protection than a cable lock alone. Many of the bicycle thefts reported to EPD involve no lock being used, or only a cable lock. Cable locks can be easily cut and do not provide adequate protection. The website link above also provides examples of how to properly lock your bicycle.
VIDEO: Crime Prevention Program Manager Jeff Blonde – Bike Theft Prevention
If your bike is stolen in Eugene, report it immediately to EPD. Be sure to provide specific details about your bike, including critical information such as the serial number. You can file a report by calling our non-emergency number at 541-682-5111 or online at: http://ceapps.eugene-or.gov/epdcoplogic/.