William Wieneke, a sophomore at the University of Minnesota, had a rough experience last fall when his bike was stolen right in front of Territorial Hall. Like many students who’ve dealt with bike theft, he called the University of Minnesota Police Department’s non-emergency number, hoping for some help. But the response left him frustrated.
“I called, and the cop said there was nothing they could do because it happens so often,” Wieneke shared.
Unfortunately, William isn’t alone. Many students on campus are feeling the impact of rising vehicle thefts, and the numbers back this up.
In the University of Minnesota Police Department’s 2024 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, it was revealed that 63 motor vehicle thefts were reported in 2023. That’s more than double what was reported just two years earlier. Since 2020, the numbers have been climbing steadily, even as overall crime on campus has dropped.
So, what’s causing this surge? UMPD spokesperson Jake Ricker says a big part of it is a policy change. Electric-powered bikes and scooters are now classified as motor vehicles. Thanks to updates in the Clery Act—laws requiring universities to share crime and safety data—these e-bikes and scooters are included in the same category as cars and trucks. This change, combined with an increase in theft across the Twin Cities, is pushing the numbers higher.
For students at the University of Minnesota, this means the vehicles they rely on to get around campus are now a bigger target than ever.
When compared to other Big Ten universities, Minnesota’s motor vehicle theft numbers stand out. In 2023, the University of Minnesota had 63 reported thefts, almost double the 40 reported at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, which ranks second. The University of Iowa reported just 22 thefts, and the University of Nebraska had 16.
This isn’t due to population size. The University of Minnesota enrolled 54,890 students in the 2023-2024 school year, while Wisconsin-Madison wasn’t far behind with 52,097 students. Despite similar student populations, Minnesota’s theft problem is significantly larger.
UMPD says they’re working on it. According to Ricker, they’ve invested in more patrol officers who are encouraged to maintain a visible presence on campus. A network of security cameras also helps catch suspicious activity and aids in investigations when thefts occur.
But Ricker also emphasized the role students play in protecting their vehicles. By staying alert and taking precautions, students can help reduce the risk of theft.
While motor vehicles like scooters and e-bikes are included in the crime reports, traditional bicycles are not—and that’s a big issue for students who rely on them.
Jodi Anderson, a fourth-year student, shared how her bike being stolen made life much harder. “At the time, I used it to get groceries and visit my boyfriend. Without it, I was pretty much stranded,” she explained.
Some students have come up with creative ways to stop thieves, like removing parts of their bikes—wheels, seats, even handlebars—and taking them inside. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always work. Anderson mentioned a friend whose bike tires were stolen, leaving just the frame behind.
To offer more protection, the University’s Parking and Transportation Services provides contracted bike shelters and lockers. But these options cost extra, and many students can’t afford them. Instead, they use basic bike locks, which thieves often cut through easily.
Anderson admitted she was disappointed with the lack of support from the police. “I didn’t know what else they could do, but I had my property stolen, and I didn’t get any answers,” she said. “I just wish they could’ve done more.”
