In the instance of bicycle theft, students are encouraged to first contact campus security to patrol the area. PHOTO: Michael Brown.
Stellenbosch University (SU) has warned students to stay vigilant after an increase in reported bicycle theft throughout February.
SU spokesperson Martin Viljoen said that reasons for a spike in bicycle theft can be attributed to an influx of new students and open accessibility to campus.
“Based on recent reporting, there has been a slight increase in bicycle theft in general which is actually normal for this time of the year,” said Viljoen. “Information still indicates that suspects pose as students which make them less conspicuous.”
Bicycle sheds on campus are often used to protect student’s bicycles from theft. PHOTO: Michael Brown.
Hoping to keep bicycle theft to a minimum, SU has continued a number of initiatives to raise awareness of the recent bicycle theft. Amongst them include safety talks targeted at new students, and the use of social media platforms to inform students of bicycle theft.
Bicycle owners are also recommended to register their bicycles at the Vehicle Fleet Department and make use of the bicycle sheds around campus, said Viljoen.
“Research has shown that making use of a U-lock is the best form of preventing bicycle theft,” Viljoen said. “Students must expect to pay more for a decent lock to protect an expensive bicycle.”
According to captain Nathalie Martin, spokesperson at Stellenbosch SAPD, the police need the assistance of bicycle owners to be cautious and lock their bicycles when unattended. She urges students to contact Campus Security first, before registering a case with the police.
“Victims of bicycle thefts can report the crime to campus security first so they can patrol the area,” said Martin.
Bicycles are often used by many students as an environmentally friendly way of travelling around campus PHOTO: Michael Brown.
“My stolen bicycle is a massive inconvenience to me,” said Rivaldo Alves, one student who had his bicycle stolen in February.
“I live on the bottom of campus so now it takes time to walk to places like the gym and class. This then has an impact on my studying and social life because I generally have less time to get things done,” Alves said.