While bicycling is an eco-friendly way to commute to campus, bike theft has been on the rise.

Brock University’s Campus Security Services (CSS) is recommending Brock students and employees register their bikes with 529 Garage and pick up a tamper-resistant warning shield from CSS.

529 Garage is a bike registration program and mobile application that allows cyclists to register their bike, report bike thefts, check the status of bikes they’re considering purchasing, and report when a bike is found.

CSS has received 10 reports of bicycle thefts on campus since 2020.

“Bicycle thefts have been steadily rising during the pandemic, with more people taking up cycling as a way to exercise and get outside,” says Karl Thorp, Senior Platoon Supervisor.

In addition to registering bicycles with the 529 Garage program and reporting stolen bikes to CSS and local law enforcement, Thorp also recommends using bicycle-specific locks.

“Inexpensive chain and cable locks are easily defeated with bolt cutters and portable battery-operated grinders,” he says.

Additional tips for locking bicycles, and what to do if a bike is stolen, can be found on Shield Against Bike Theft, a new web page on the CSS website, as well as on the Brock Safety mobile app by clicking ‘useful links’ then ‘bicycle protection.’

Thorp cautions the Brock community to take similar care of their personal belongings while on campus. He suggests students and employees take items with them when they leave a space unattended and recommends using a locker.

The Brock University Students’ Union is offering locker rentals in Thistle Complex and Welch Hall this year, and the Brock University Library has 60 lockers available for free to graduate students on a first-come, first-served basis on the sixth floor of the Schmon Tower. While using the Walker Sports Complex, members can bring their own lock and use a day-use locker inside the change rooms and hallway. If a user needs a lock, one can be rented or purchased from the equipment room ( known as ‘the cage’). A limited number of long-term locker rentals — for four, eight or 12 months — are available by registering with the Walker Sports Complex Welcome Desk.

Lost items can be reported via a lost item report. Lost and found is located at CSS in the Kenmore Centre (KC 103), and office hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

If something is stolen, Thorp encourages Brock community members to report the crime immediately to CSS.

For more campus safety tips and resources, visit the Campus Security Services website.