Authorities were on high alert Tuesday after reports showed a spike in electric vehicle theft on the main campus and university apartments at UCLA.
There have been more than 20 reports of e-scooter and e-bicycle related crime within the past month, with six arrests and ongoing investigations, according to the UCLA Police Department.
Theft was reported on the main campus at the Wooden Center, Kaplan, Math Sciences-Boelter, CHS, Life Sciences areas and the University Apartments North Weyburn Terrace-Southwest Campus Apartments areas.
The victims were primarily UCLA students and staff, according to a report from the department.
Police advised the following safety tips to help prevent theft:
— Lock your property in well-lit, busy areas, as thieves prefer stealing e-mobility devices from isolated areas;
— Many thefts can be prevented by using an adequate lock and properly securing the bicycle-scooter to an approved parking facility such as a bicycle rack. It is best to lock the frame and wheels by using a U-Lock combined with a six-foot cable or chain;
— Document e-mobility devices, including its make-model, serial number, color, any unique or identifying features, along with a photo of it. Consider mounting a GPS tracker on devices and;
— Report any suspicious activity near bicycle racks to the police.
No injuries were reported, and no suspect descriptions were immediately available.
Authorities urged in the event of an emergency to call 9-1-1 or a crime to call the UCLA Police Department at 310-825-1491.