Issue date: 1/31/08 Section: News

Recovered stolen bikes sit chainged together behind the Kirksville Police Department. Without proper registration, the police have no way of knowing who to return them to.

A recent string of bike thefts in Kirksville is causing confusion. The bikes go missing for a short period of time only to turn up near campus.

Clayton Dillavou, a Truman visiting scholar for the biology department, said he discovered multiple bikes left two blocks from the intersection of George Street and Lewis Street.

"My wife and I walk our dogs every morning, and we usually find four or five dumped in a row," Dillavou said.

Dillavou said that when he calls the police, they pick up the bikes and store them until someone claims them.

"The police said they have around 15 bikes chained up behind their station, and some stored away in another building," Dillavou said.

Dillavou said his bike was stolen a short time ago but that unfortunately his wasn't among those found near his home.

"One or two of them had campus stickers on them, but most students don't register their bikes on campus," Dillavou said.

If a bike isn't registered with the Department of Public Safety it's harder to return it to the owner, Dillavou said.

Thomas Johnson, director of the department of public safety, said registering a bike with DPS is a simple process.

"Anyone can come to the office to register their bikes, they just have to fill out a form," Johnson said. "It's a free service."

Johnson said it's important to check on bikes every once in a while, especially this time of year when bikes get left behind.

"It's important to get a proper lock and if the bike has quick release seats or wheels, the items should be taken with the owner or locked directly to the bike rack," Johnson said.

Securing a bike is not a guarantee that the bike won't get stolen, but it will lessen the chance, Johnson said.

Freshman Max Glenn said his bike went missing just before Winter Break.

"The last time I remember using it is a little hazy, so I've been hunting around campus for it," Glenn said.

Glenn said the bike registration process was unfamiliar to him.

"I've got a little idea about how the registration works, but I assume it's similar to car registration," Glenn said.

Glenn said he hasn't reported the bike missing yet because he's hoping it will turn up somewhere on campus.

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