In 2007, the UW-Madison Police Department developed the “bait bike” program in response to the problem of bicycle theft on campus. Maybe you have seen the pamphlets and stickers indicating “This May Be a Bait Bike”. Maybe you even have one on your bike. Do you wonder if this program is making a difference? The answer is YES.
Since January 2009, 40 bicycles have been reported as stolen on campus property. The average reported thefts prior to the program were 70 persons reporting a bicycle theft, per calendar year. 10 persons have been arrested for bait bike theft since then. Several of the arrested suspects have also been charged with offenses such as probation and alcohol violations. In one instance additional stolen bikes were recovered.
Following the current trend of bicycle thefts, 2009 should end with a 23% reduction in reported bicycle thefts on campus from the years prior to the program. This is an amazing statistic!
Madison is noted as having some of the best bicycling paths and routes in the nation. Students and staff commuting by bike should lock their bike in the expectation it will still be there when they return. The UW-Madison is committed to reducing bicycle theft on campus. You can help by supporting the program with a “Bait Bike” stickers and locking your bicycle correctly.
For more information contact Police Officer John Deering at jddeering@wisc.edu.
