A bike is often someone’s main mode of transportation and not easily replaced. As a way to deter bike theft in Eugene, EPD Property Crimes Unit detectives have placed a changing supply of bait bikes at various locations to combat the problem and arrest those who are responsible.
Property Crimes Unit ran a bait bike operation on October 10, in North Eugene and arrested two people at different locations.
Christopher Robin Morales, age 32, of Eugene, grabbed one of the bikes from where it was parked. He stood near the bike for more than a half hour, before getting on it and leaving the area. He was charged with Theft in the First Degree.
Ryan Daniel Doyle, age 33, of Eugene, grabbed a bike that was in front of a grocery store and rode away at a high speed. When detectives attempted to stop Doyle, he discarded the bike and continued to run through an area of heavy brush, and subsequently toward another detective on the other side. He was charged with Theft in the First Degree.
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/.
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