While bicycling is an eco-friendly way to commute to campus, bike theft has been on the rise.<\/p>\n
Brock University\u2019s Campus Security Services (CSS) is recommending Brock students and employees register their bikes with 529 Garage<\/a> and pick up a tamper-resistant warning shield from CSS.<\/p>\n 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\u2019re considering purchasing, and report when a bike is found.<\/p>\n CSS has received 10 reports of bicycle thefts on campus since 2020.<\/p>\n \u201cBicycle thefts have been steadily rising during the pandemic, with more people taking up cycling as a way to exercise and get outside,\u201d says Karl Thorp, Senior Platoon Supervisor.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cInexpensive chain and cable locks are easily defeated with bolt cutters and portable battery-operated grinders,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n Additional tips for locking bicycles, and what to do if a bike is stolen, can be found on Shield Against Bike Theft<\/a>, a new web page on the CSS website, as well as on the Brock Safety mobile app<\/a> by clicking \u2018useful links\u2019 then \u2018bicycle protection.\u2019<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The Brock University Students\u2019 Union is offering locker rentals<\/a> in Thistle Complex and Welch Hall this year, and the Brock University Library has 60 lockers available for free to graduate students<\/a> on a first-come, first-served basis on the sixth floor of the Schmon Tower. While using the Walker Sports Complex<\/a>, 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 \u2018the cage\u2019). A limited number of long-term locker rentals \u2014 for four, eight or 12 months \u2014 are available by registering with the Walker Sports Complex Welcome Desk.<\/p>\n Lost items can be reported via a lost item report<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n If something is stolen, Thorp encourages Brock community members to report the crime<\/a> immediately to CSS.<\/p>\n