University Police advised students in a bulletin to be on high alert following a recent rise in backpack and bicycle thefts in the University Union and the library.

“Crimes like this run in cycles on campus,” said University Police Lt. Daniel Davis. “People find a way to come in and commit crimes of opportunity.”

Davis said there is always the possibility of thefts on campus and that students should always be aware of their surroundings.

The pattern in which these crimes occur can be random, but Davis said a string of similar crimes is more common. Davis said many similar crimes can be traced back to one person.

“There may be times when the campus has a repeat pattern of property crimes, or automobile burglaries, or bike theft,” Davis said.

The police advise students to use common sense and pay attention to posted alerts and warnings to prevent themselves from being a victim.

Davis suggests students ask a friend to watch personal items when it is necessary to step away for a moment.

University Police Sgt. Kelly Clark said an arrest was made on April 19 in connection with the recent string in thefts. Witnesses called police after observing a man steal a backpack in the Union. The man was chased by several of the witnesses and was eventually located and detained by officers.

The suspect, 24-year-old Tyler K. Rothrock, had an outstanding felony warrant for drug possession at the time of the arrest, according to University Police’s media log. Rothrock has since been charged with two counts of second degree burglary, two counts of grand theft and one count of receiving stolen property, according to Sacramento County Superior Court records.

Davis said Rothrock fit the description of the man in surveillance videos suspected of the thefts in the police bulletin.

“There was a spike in thefts for a few weeks, but since the arrest it has appeared to slow down,” Davis said.

A search of Rothrock’s name on the SacLink e-mail system yielded no results. It is unknown if he has any ties to Sacramento State.

Before the arrest, police received six different calls reporting a stolen backpack or laptop. Since the arrest, one laptop was reported stolen in the union on April 21.

So far this month, five bikes have been reported stolen from various locations on campus. It was only reported that one of them was left unlocked.

The Peak Adventures bike shop highly recommends that students use a U-shaped lock with a key rather than a combination one, since this is the most secure and is not easily cut.

If it is necessary to lock up your bike outside of the designated bike area, remember to use caution when choosing a spot. Peak Adventures also advises students to avoid locking up bikes to short poles or trees and always secure your lock around the main frame of the bike.

Crystal Kirk can be reached at [email protected].