Like any large community with many bicycles, bike theft is a problem in Champaign-Urbana.  Bike theft is a real barrier that prevents theft victims from riding bicycles, and discourages others from bringing high-quality bicycles to campus. The University aims to reduce bike thefts on campus by providing better, more secure bicycle parking and storage facilities, a more robust bicycle registration system, and by working with local police enforcement, bicycle shops, and community groups to identify theft deterrents on campus. 

Keys to reducing bicycle theft:

1. Never leave your bicycle unlocked!
2. Always lock your bicycle to a bicycle rack! Learn how to properly lock your bicycle Lock Your Bike Right (LYBR) video from 2019.
3. Register your bicycle and install the registration sticker (529 Shield) to your bicycle. Learn more at Bike at Illinois' Register Your Bike page or go.illinois.edu/mybike
4. Report a bike theft to UIPD immediately at (217) 333-1216.

As bicycle theft is a large problem on campus, there is an connection between high theft and ease of theft. Remember to lock your bicycle properly and in the right place. "Where?" and "how?" are questions every cyclist should think about before they lock their bicycle. In general, a solid U-Lock and with a wheel cable are what is recommended. Again, always lock your bicycle to an actual bicycle rack!