Thieves use a number of techniques to steal bicycles. The technique an offender uses will often be directly linked to the cyclist’s locking practices (E.g., the type of lock the cyclist uses and the way he or she applies it).  When the bike is unlocked or poorly secured, little skill is required.  Again, you are advised to refer to the Tips section on how best to secure your bicycle should you decide to park it in a public location.  Some common perpetrator techniques used to steal locked bikes are described below or click for the video .

Lifting-Thieves lift the bike and lock over the top of the post to which the bike is secured. If it is a signpost, then the thieves may remove the sign to lift the bicycle clear. Sometimes the post itself is not anchored securely and can be lifted clear of the bike and the lock.
Levering-Thieves will use the gap between the stand and the bike left by a loosely fitted lock to insert tools such as jacks or bars to lever the lock apart. Thieves will even use the bike frame itself as a lever by rotating it against the stand or other stationary object to which it is locked. Either the bike or the lock will break. The thief doesn’t mind which-after all, it’s not his or her bike!
Striking-If a cyclist locks a bicycle leaving the chain or lock touching the ground, thieves may use a hammer and chisel to split the securing chain or lock.
Unbolting-Thieves know how to undo bolts and quick-release mechanisms. If a cyclist locks a bike by the wheel alone, then it may be all that is left when the cyclist returns. If a cyclist locks only the frame, then a thief may remove a wheel or wheels. In this case, if a cyclist leaves a wheel-less bike with the intent of picking it up later, then the thief may return before the cyclist and remove the rest of the bike.
Cutting-Thieves are known to use tin-snips, bolt cutters, hacksaws, and angle grinders to cut their way through locks and chains to steal bicycles.
Picking-For locks requiring keys, thieves can insert tools into the keyhole itself and pick the lock open.

A consistent finding is that most stolen bicycles, regardless of theft location, are either not locked at all or are secured using a lock that requires little force to break or remove.  While it has been proposed that all locks can be overcome if the opportunity is present and the offender is suitably equipped, it is clear that inadequate locking practices will create a situation conducive for the offender, and that observing more-secure locking practices should at the very least reduce opportunistic crime.

Following a report of a crime to the Office of Security & Safety, the Assistant Vice President is required to notify the law school community about the incident.  Should notice any unusual behavior or activities within or near the law school campus, do not hesitate to contact staff in the Office of Security & Safety.

We do not expect criminal acts to take place within the law school community.  However, it is always advised, whether at or away from the law school, to keep your personal and valuable property secure or within your reach so that an opportunity to sabotage or steal it is prevented.  Personal property crimes can be prevented by eliminating the opportunity.  Do not hesitate to contact security personnel should you need assistance, an emergency arises, or you notice suspicious situations or conditions.

Note
There have been 9 bicycle thefts from the public racks near the law school since September 1, 2011.  Bicycle owners are advised to consult the Tips section for advice on the best means to secure your bike.

The New York City Police Department notes that bicycle theft is an under reported crime.  In the event you have a bicycle stolen you are encouraged to report it to officers at a police precinct.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Incident:            Theft of Bicycle

Reported:         1:42 PM

Location:           Public bicycle rack on West Broadway (Between Worth Street and Leonard Street)

Details:             Trekker bicycle chained to rack at 9:00AM; discovered it missing  at 1:22 PM

For a list of earlier crime reports, see Open Crime Log in the right column, middle blue section.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012 – OEM Tip of the Week: Respect Your Elders and Their Needs

May is Older Americans Month and OEM reminds New Yorkers to consider the needs of older friends and family during emergencies. OEM’s My Emergency Plan guide helps New Yorkers create a personalized emergency plan, capturing important health information, evacuation planning, and a support network. This May become a part of an older American’s emergency support network.

Watch OEM’s senior outreach video

Read the Tip of the Week online

Following a report of a crime to the Office of Security & Safety, the Assistant Vice President is required to notify the law school community about the incident.  Should notice any unusual behavior or activities within or near the law school campus, do not hesitate to contact staff in the Office of Security & Safety.

We do not expect criminal acts to take place within the law school community.  However, it is always advised, whether at or away from the law school, to keep your personal and valuable property secure or within your reach so that an opportunity to sabotage or steal it is prevented.  Personal property crimes can be prevented by eliminating the opportunity.  Do not hesitate to contact security personnel should you need assistance, an emergency arises, or you notice suspicious situations or conditions.

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Incident:            Binder and folder missing from locker

Reported:         8:58 PM

Location:           55 Worth Street Lower Level

Details:             Left items in locker on Satruday, April 28, 2012

For a list of earlier crime reports, see Open Crime Log in the right column, middle blue section.

On average, the National Weather Service issues 400 severe thunderstorm warnings, 17 tornado warnings, and about 150 flash flood warnings each year in New York state. During Severe Weather Awareness Week, we’re reminded of the importance of planning and practicing how to take shelter before tornadoes, thunderstorms, or flash floods strike. Severe weather can come with little or no warning, and cause serious injury, damage, and disruptions. While you can’t control the weather, you can plan ahead so that you’re not caught off guard.

Read more about severe weather

Read the Tip of the Week online

Following a report of a crime to the Office of Security & Safety, the Assistant Vice President is required to notify the law school community about the incident.  Should notice any unusual behavior or activities within or near the law school campus, do not hesitate to contact staff in the Office of Security & Safety.

We do not expect criminal acts to take place within the law school community.  However, it is always advised, whether at or away from the law school, to keep your personal and valuable property secure or within your reach so that an opportunity to sabotage or steal it is prevented.  Personal property crimes can be prevented by eliminating the opportunity.  Do not hesitate to contact security personnel should you need assistance, an emergency arises, or you notice suspicious situations or conditions.

Note
There have been a number of bicycle thefts from the public racks near the law school.  Bicycle owners are advised to consult the Tips section for advice on the best means to secure your bike.

The New York City Police Department notes that bicycle theft is an under reported crime.  In the event you have a bicycle stolen you are encouraged to report it to officers at a police precinct.

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Incident:            Theft of Bicycle Seat

Reported:         10:00 AM, Sunday, April 29, 2012

Location:           Public bicycle rack on West Broadway (near Worth Street)

Details:             Chained bicycle to rack at 10:00AM Saturday and discovered seat missing upon returning to collect the bicycle at 10:00PM

For a list of earlier crime reports, see Open Crime Log in the right column, middle blue section.

You must place a lock on your assigned locker to protect personal and valuable property.  You cannot place property in an open locker and expect that the contents will be there upon your return.

Just as you check to confirm you have locked the entry door to your home, take that additional second to press the parts tightly together.  If it is a combination lock, turn the dial, and tug on the lock.  Regardless of the type of lock you select, always confirm that it is secure before you leave the locker area.

A reminder that the law school is not responsible for the security of any items placed in the lockers.

When there’s a problem, it’s good to know the right numbers to contact for help. Call 911 when you are in immediate danger, witness a crime in progress, or have a serious injury or life-threatening condition. If you need to report a problem or need information about City government services and programs, visit 311 Online, text to 311692, or call 311 (212-NEW-YORK, outside of NYC). You can also download the 311 iPhone app. Contacting the right number the first time can help you and others get help faster.

Read the Tip of the Week online

As the nation marks the first anniversary of one of the largest tornado outbreaks in U.S. history, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are teaming up this week to save lives from severe weather.

The two agencies encourage the public to “know your risk, take action, and be a force of nature” by taking proactive preparedness measures and inspiring others to do the same.

Last April, tornadoes raked the central and southern United States, spawning more than 300 tornadoes and claiming hundreds of lives. That devastating, historic outbreak was only one of many weather-related tragedies in 2011, which now holds the record for the greatest number of multi-billion dollar weather disasters in the nation’s history.

  Read more

To Catch a Bike Thief is a new web series that tackles the problem of Bike Theft. The show follows the adventures of a group of intrepid and tech savvy cyclists looking for new ways to stop people from stealing bikes.