Cheney Mason / Winonan

As spring approaches, the warmer weather brings with it increases in bike thefts to Winona State University.

Resident Assistant of East Lake Apartments and Winona State student John Otis was contacted in past weeks by his residents about their bike locks being cut and bikes being stolen around campus.

“There has definitely been an increase in bike locks being cut and stolen last semester more than any other fall semester,” Otis said. “It’s suspected not to be WSU students, and it’s probably people living on the other side of town.”

Otis said this semester three of his residents have come to him this semester claiming their locks have been tampered or cut.

“One of them said that their lock was half way cut, so I sent an email out to all of my residents to make sure they are keeping an eye on their bikes,” Otis said.

Otis has had three of his own bikes stolen while he has been at Winona State.

“Both when I lived on main campus and over on East Lake,” Otis said. “So it’s a pretty big issue.”

Otis recommends keeping bikes safe by buying a good bike lock.

“I used to buy cheap ones from Walmart, like the five dollar ones. Those are really easily cut,” Otis said. “U-locks, the metal locks are very hard to cut through if not impossible.”

U-locks can be found at Target, Walmart, sporting good and bike stores and online, like Amazon.com.

But that does not mean he also buys expensive bikes. Instead, Otis will purchase cheap bikes from friends.

When one of Otis’ residents contact him with an issue regarding a bike or bike lock being stolen, he tells them to file a report with security, and he also recommends filing a police report immediately.

“I recommend keeping an eye on your bike every day and checking it or putting it in your room,” Otis said.

Unfortunately for some students, even leaving their bikes on campus locked and secure does not deter the bike thieves.

Student Cody DeLuce had his expensive downhill race bike stolen when he was away at drill for the National Guard.

Someone had allegedly cut the lock on the bike that was sitting right in the Quad, DeLuce said.

The incident occurred around the third weekend in January, DeLuce explained. He also filled out a police report and posted on the Winona State Facebook page for his bike to be returned.

DeLuce said this bike is very important to him, and he would appreciate that it be returned to him.

“I’m willing to offer a $200 to $300 reward due to how much the bike is worth,” DeLuce said.

DeLuce said anyone with information about his bike can contact him via Facebook or at 763-202-2742.