Between August 27, 2026 and September 2, 2026, the UW-Madison Police Department received three reports of stolen electric bicycles and scooters. One was stolen outside Witte Hall, one outside Union South, and one outside Chadbourne Hall.
UWPD is actively investigating these thefts. Anyone with information is urged to contact UWPD at (608) 264-2677.
Unfortunately. this is a time of year when we typically see an increase in bike and e-schooter thefts. Now that students have returned to campus, thieves have literally thousands of bikes to choose from. Don’t make it easy for them. Here are some ideas to help prevent bike theft:
- Lock it up: secure the bicycle frame and wheels to a sturdy, fixed object like a bike rack or a metal post. Or store it in a dedicated, secure bicycle locker.
- Get a good lock: UWPD recommends a quality ‘U-style’ lock. Chain and cable locks are easily cut in seconds by someone with the right tool.
- Invest in the lock — not the bike: UWPD suggests spending your money on your lock, and not on the bike. There’s a thriving illegal market in stolen high-end bicycles and parts — so don’t tempt thieves with your $4,000 racing bike. A $50 garage-sale bike secured with a $100 lock is a good recipe for retention.
- Register your ride: while it’s no longer required to register your bike in Madison, it’s still a good idea and can help with recovery if it’s ever stolen. Learn more here.
- Documentation: take photos of your bike/e-scooter and write down serial numbers. If your ride is stolen, that documentation helps us return the property back to you if we’re able to recover it.
Follow these steps and you’ll dramatically increase your chances of ensuring your bike is there the next time you want to take a ride on Madison’s great network of bicycle paths and thru-ways.