BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (IUSTV News) – The Indiana University Police Department is investigating multiple reported thefts of electric bicycles and electric scooters at several campus locations within the last two weeks, according to an IU Bloomington Crime Notice.
The thefts were reported to have occurred at the bike racks of each location on the following dates:
- Jan. 16 at Teter Quad – Thompson
- Jan. 26 at Willkie North
- Jan. 29 at Ballantine Hall
- Jan. 31 at Cedar Hall
For at least two of the reported thefts, IUPD says the scooters were stolen within the same hour they were parked.
Police did not have a suspect description for all of the reported thefts or whether the cases were connected, but did provide information on a person who may have stolen the scooter from Willkie Hall on Jan. 26. They were described as a white man with curly blonde hair, wearing a black jacket and leg brace over khaki pants. IUPD says the man was seen walking into Willkie Hall with a similar scooter.
Anyone with information on the reported e-bike/scooter thefts or any crime is asked to call IUPD at (812) 855-4111, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-317-262-TIPS (8477).
HOW TO PREVENT THEFT
IU Police provided several tips to help limit scooter and bike thefts on campus:
- Record the make, model, and serial number of your electric bicycle or scooter and store it in a safe place.
- Lock your electric bicycle or scooter using at least one U style lock.
- Lock both wheels and frame to the bike rack and remove seat.
- Lock your electric bicycle or scooter in a well-lit area on a bicycle rack.
- Report suspicious persons hanging around bicycle racks to the police.
