UW Police Offer Suggestions to Deter Theft

The University of Wyoming Police Department (UWPD) typically sees an increase in property thefts, including bicycles, toward the end of spring semester.

For the past several years, the number of opportunistic thefts of laptops, smart phones and other electronic devices has increased on campus, says UWPD Chief Mike Samp.

“The vast majority of these crimes could be avoided if students, faculty and staff would keep these items in their possession,” Samp says. “Leaving items unattended in public spaces or in unlocked offices is the most common way for these items to be stolen. “

Samp reminds everyone not to leave items unattended, even for a short time, and to lock all residence hall rooms, apartments, vehicles, bicycles, offices and lockers when leaving those areas.

The UWPD suggests using security software downloads on all devices. Often, these downloads are free or very low cost, and augment the security features already provided by the manufacturers of the devices. Additional recommendations are that all serial numbers, and make and models of the devices, be recorded in the event they go missing.

To deter theft, the UWPD asks bicyclists to register their bikes with the department, if they haven’t already. The cost is $5.

“By registering your bicycle, UWPD is able to capture all pertinent information required to increase chances of recovery in the event a bicycle is taken,” Samp says. “Most bicycles that are recovered and returned to their owners have been registered with UWPD.”

Bicycles can be registered any time at the police department, located at the corner of 15th and Flint streets. Bring bicycles to the front lobby.

Samp recommends use of U-style bicycle locks that are more resistant to bolt cutters that have been used in some recent thefts.

For more details on registering bikes and other information about bicycling on campus, click here[BROKEN LINK].