The IU Police Department has received multiple reports of thefts, specifically stolen motor vehicles, this November.
Since Nov. 1, there have been a total of 10 motor vehicle thefts, which includes electric bikes and scooters, and seven thefts of items inside motor vehicles reported, according to the IUPD crime log. Since Sept. 20, there have been a total of 22 motor vehicle thefts and 11 thefts of items inside motor vehicles reported.
An IU Bloomington crime notice was issued Nov. 15 for motor vehicle thefts — specifically electric bikes and electric scooters. The crime notice listed different incidents reported to IUPD between Nov. 8-13 at a Foster Harper bike rack, the Simon Music Library, Eigenmann Hall, Franklin Hall and Swain Hall.
There is currently no information on suspects for any of the above reported cases. IUPD is asking anyone with information on these crimes or other crimes to call IUPD at 812-855-4111 or Crime Stoppers at 1-317-262 –TIPS.
According to the crime notice, there have been numerous bicycles stolen throughout this semester, as well.
According to IU Bloomington annual crime statistics, in 2023 there were a total of 18 on-campus motor vehicle thefts, and in 2022, there were a total of eight.
Throughout this month, there have been a total of 14 thefts from on-campus buildings and 11 other thefts, according to the IUPD crime log. Additionally, two robberies were reported at Beta Theta Pi in November.
IUPD is currently investigating a theft that occurred Oct. 30 at Teter Quadrangle and is asking for help identifying the suspect.
In 2023, there were two on-campus robberies according to annual crime statistics. In 2022, there were six.
Safety tips
With Thanksgiving break right around the corner and students leaving campus, there are many ways students can keep their personal items safe, according to Protect IU.
Regarding motor vehicle thefts, the crime notice recommends recording the make, model and serial number of your electric bicycle or scooter and storing it in a safe place. People should lock their bicycle, electric bicycle or scooter using at least one U-style lock. IUPD provides U-locks free of charge at the station located at 1469 E. 17th St. Students can also get a U-lock from IU Transportation Demand Mangement by emailing commute@iu.edu.
IUPD also recommends locking both the bike wheels and frame to the rack and removing the seat. It also recommends locking bicycles or scooters in well–lit areas and reporting any suspicious people hanging around bike racks to the police. Students and faculty can also use bike hub storage, such as Ballantine Bike Hub or bike lockers available through IU Housing, placed throughout campus.
More information about scooter and bicycle safety can be found here.
According to Protect IU, to keep vehicles safe, IUPD recommends not lending keys to unknown or untrusted individuals, always hiding valuables and money, installing quality video surveillance cameras and alarms and parking in well-lit areas.
More parking and vehicle safety tips can be found here.
IUPD Public Information Officer Hannah Skibba shared general safety tips for preventing thefts in buildings.
She said people should always lock windows and doors when they are not home and should not leave their valuables unattended even for a short period of time. They should also record all serial numbers of electronics. She also said to avoid leaving valuable items in plain sight and to call or text 9-1-1 to report suspicious activity.
Students, faculty and staff can download the free Rave Guardian app for quick access to IUPD and to send anonymous tips.
