Sacramento State is using popular social networking sites in an attempt to reduce bicycle thefts, which have been a constant threat on campus.

Sac State’s Police Department is implementing two new safety initiatives this semester. The initiatives will involve working with the campus community service officer program and educating the campus about bicycle thefts.

Sac State President Alexander Gonzalez showed support for the new initiatives in his fall address.

“Two safety initiatives under way include a project to enhance bicycle security, with the goal of reducing bike thefts to zero,” Gonzalez said.

The police department began staffing the main bicycle hall with new community service officers at the beginning of the fall semester, and plans to hire more officers as the semester continues. In addition, the community service officer program has been directed to include bicycle theft prevention in areas they already monitor. The program already works on reducing property theft in the Academic Information Resource Center, the Well, Library, University Union and the parking structures.

The department is educating the campus community about bicycle theft prevention through the use of fliers, handouts and social media sites Facebook and Twitter. Awareness is also spread by incorporating bicycle theft and safety education into new student and residence hall orientations.

The Sac State Police Department has both a Facebook and Twitter page where it disperses safety tips on bike theft protection and general campus safety. The department recommends students follow these social media pages in order to stay up to date with bicycle safety and general campus safety.

University Police Cpl. Scott Christian said the community service officers are considered part of the crime prevention team in the department. They have been trained to observe and report any suspicious behavior on campus, and their presence alone will deter most people from committing crimes.

Christian said there are usually around 50 bike thefts a semester. The department is hoping the new initiatives will lead to a significant decrease in thefts throughout the semester.

Christian also encouraged students to buy quality U-locks for their bikes because they provide more security than the wire style bike locks. Many wire locks can be cut with a simple pair of wire cutters, while U-locks are much more difficult for thieves to cut or break.

Community Service Officer Aamar Khan recommended students park their bikes at the bicycle compound near the Guy West Bridge on campus.

“The bicycle compound is the safest and most well-lit place on campus to store your bike,” Khan said.

The bicycle compound can be found at the foot of the bridge and is normally staffed from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays.

Senior photography major Eric Kano echoed Khan’s recommendations. Kano said he usually parks his bicycle there because he feels it is the safest place on campus for a bike.

“It’s good to know the campus is taking the issue serious. Hopefully it will encourage more people to ride their bike to class,” said senior nutrition major Nick Daher.

The police department is also offering free bicycle registration. Registering will aid the department in the return of a bicycle if it is ever lost or stolen. The registration process requires students to bring their bicycles to the registration location, fill out a form and affix a license to their bicycle’s frame.

Peak Adventures, located in the Well has not only U-locks available for purchase, but bicycle lockers available for rent. These lockers not only add a higher level of security, but also protect bicycles from all types of weather.

University Police Department also encourages students to report any suspicious activity immediately to the department at 916-278-6851. Police officers, community service officers and dispatchers are on duty 24 hours a day.

Matthew Aguirre can be reached at  [email protected]