Office of Public Safety

Office of Public Safety
208 High Street
Middletown, CT 06459
860-685-2345

For emergencies call:
860-685-3333
or dial x3333 from a campus extension

For non-emergencies call:
860-685-2345
or dial x2345 from a campus extension

Bicycle Safety and Security

 

Protect bikes against theft.  Bikes can be stolen from anywhere, but simple precautions can deter would-be thieves.  Most bikes that are stolen were not secured. Many good locks are on the market. Public Safety recommends that you purchase and use a high quality U-lock. (As a service the Office of Public Safety has this style lock available for a reasonable price)

U-Locks vs. Cables: What is the correct choice?  Although they are frequently used, lightweight cable locks do not provide adequate security on most campuses. Many of these locks are easily cut.  The best choice is a strong, reliable U-Lock. Solid steel is the strongest- the ideal steel is hardened against cutting yet maintains flexiblilty. Also, two locks are better than one!  Combine a cable and a U-lock when securing your bicycle.  The more time and trouble it takes a thief to attempt to steal your bike the less likely it is to happen. 

To assist with the security of your bike the University has placed numerous bike racks throughout campus  and some dorms also have bike storage rooms. In conjunction with a recommended lock, use of these facilities will decrease the likelihood of your bicycle being stolen.

If you bring your bike to campus we recommend:

  • Register your bicycle with Public Safety, recording the serial number and other pertinent information.
  • Park bikes in conspicuous, well lit places.  If you park near other bikes the chances are thieves will take bikes that are unsecured or have the least secure locks.
  • Personalize your bike to make it less attractive to a would-be thief and easy to identify if recovered.
  • Engrave your bicycle with your drivers license number or other identifying numbers or marks. (for more information see Operation I.D.)
  • Use a good U-lock and lock it according to the instructions.
  • Try not to let your lock rest against the ground where a thief can use a hammer or rock to smash the lock.
  • If your U-lock has a keyway on the end of the crossbar, position the lock with its keyway end facing down towards the ground.  This makes it harder to access your lock.
  • Always try to lock both the tire and frame portion to the rack.
  • New bikes have the most value to thieves and they look for them.
  • Be alert to suspicious activity near the bike racks / storage areas and notify Public Safety if observed.
  • When not in use or unattended, always keep your bike locked/secured.
  • Do not lock your bike to small trees, aluminum or wooden posts or chain link fences.  These items can be easily cut or broken.
  • Do not lock the bike to itself- it can just be carried away.
  • If you have a multi speed bike leave it in the highest gear.  This makes it harder for someone to shift quickly and get away with the bike.

For information or to register your bike in a national database go to www.nationalbikeregistry.com .  Public Safety has registration forms from NBR. Click Here to Register your bike using our online form. 

For information on bicycle safety go to  www.pedbikeinfo.org/community/tips_bicyclist.cfm

Note:  Due to the adverse impact on fire egress and building accessibility, bicycles that impede entrance to or exit from buildings (including handrails and ramps) may have their locks cut and be confiscated by Physical Plant.  Bicycles that are not claimed by the next semester will be donated.

If you find that your bicycle has been removed, please contact  Physical Plant at 860-685-3400