Missouri State University investigating thefts of e-scooters and bikes

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) — Across Missouri State University’s campus, e-scooters have become the go-to for students getting around. The convenience has come with a catch: a rise in thefts.

“I was nervous, but not for myself,” said Ella Hayes.

Hayes’s go-to transportation is her bike. She parks it at the Blair-Shannon bike rack every day, which is popular for e-scooters and bike thefts.

At least seven thefts have occurred on campus in the last month, with the Blair Shannon house being targeted three separate times.

“We actually have a bulletin board that’s, like, along the hallway in our dormitory, and one of the big signs is like, don’t get your, like, your E-bikes, your scooters stolen,” said Hayes.

But just because Hayes isn’t an e-bike rider, she still prioritizes staying protected.

“The kryptonite U-lock. It has that steel frame, and then the cable knit, like extra wire, so you can, like, secure it in two points.”

Others living near the hotpotted area say they aren’t too worried either.

“It tends to be ones that are either unlocked or just cheaper locks. I think there are definitely varying levels of locks you can buy,” says Carter Kruse.

Jackson Truong-Tran depends on his e-scooter to get across campus.

His hasn’t been stolen. He credits his technique for it.

“I just fold mine up and bring it up to my room, so I don’t have to worry about it getting stolen out here.”

Leaders at MSU say students should

1. Always use a high-quality lock.
2. Park in a well-lit area.
3. Invest in your own GPS tracker.

”Just throw an air tag on it somewhere, like, when you put it together, this tube, it likes, comes apart with the handle. So I just put an air tag in the tube,” says Truong-Tran.

School officials say if you spot any suspicious activity or witness any thefts, you can call MSU Campus Safety to report it.

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