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.
On January 9, Property Crimes Unit ran a bait bike operation at retail and department stores in North Eugene and made the following arrests:
Chet Allen McLeod, age 48, of Eugene, arrested for Theft in the First Degree.
Sydnee Olivia Rose, age 24, of Eugene, arrested for Theft in the First Degree.
Ryan Daniel Doyle, age 33, of Eugene, arrested for Theft in the First Degree and two warrants.
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 9,300 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 Acting Supervisor 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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