UW Madison Police Department's "Bait Bike" Program
In May 2008, the UW-Madison Police Department began using gps equipped bicycles in an effort to combat bicycle thefts on the UW-Madison campus. From Jan. 07 – May 08 the UW Madison Police Department received 100 reports or bike thefts on the UW Madison campus. During the 2007-2008 school year the department had arrested 1 person for bicycle theft. The UW Madison Police department believes that bicycle theft is an under reported crime and the number of bicycles stolen on campus is considerably higher than the number of bikes reported stolen each year.
Police Officer John Deering started the program in May 2008 with one gps unit. With the help of Roger Charly and Budget Bicycles, who is donating bicycles equipped with the gps units, numerous arrests have been made since August 1st 2008. Police officers are placing gps equipped bikes in areas where high incidences of bicycle theft are reported. When a gps equipped bike is taken from its location, police are notified that the bike has been stolen. An officer logs on to a computer accessing a map of the area and dispatches other officers to make contact and arrest of the thief.
The UW Madison Police Department has purchased additional gps units since May and now is now deploying multiple units around campus. The UW Madison Police Department is handing out stickers and pamphlets explaining what the “Bait Bike” program is. The stickers say, “This could be a Bait Bike”. These stickers promote support for the program and more importantly, remind thieves that any bike could be a “bait bike”. UWPD Bait Bike Sticker
The UW-Madison Police Department is using the “Bait Bike” program to deter thieves from preying on students and staff members and to allow students to have the piece of mind that if you bring your bike to campus, it will be with you when you leave.
Please follow the link below to the UW Madison Transportation Services website. You will find information and links on bicycling safety, parking and registration on the UW Madison Campus.