An interview with Barry Eccleton.
Finding your bike has been stolen is more than an inconvenience, it’s the nightmare every cyclist doesn’t want to have. Each year, about 150 stolen bikes are reported to UBC Campus Security. As part of Safe and Sustainable Transportation month, Campus and Community Planning staff sat down with Barry Eccleton to learn more about bike security on campus.
Barry has headed up UBC’s team of security professionals for the past three years. Leading a staff group of close to 100 patrol officers and communication operators, Barry brings a background as a CA and CPA to his role of keeping campus safe and secure.
Q1: What are some of the security challenges associated with parking a bike on campus?
B: Theft is the primary concern we have at Campus Security. On average we receive about 150 reports of stolen bikes each year. Additionally, thefts are also reported to the local RCMP detachment and other law enforcement agencies.
Q2: What is the number one security message you want cyclists to hear?
B: Use a good lock.
The lock should be robust and secured around both the bike frame and wheel.
Also, we have a number of secure bike storage cages across campus that provide an additional level of security.
Q3: What makes a robust lock?
B: We’re talking about a lock made out of hardened steel. A U-lock is the best option. Locks can be purchased on campus at the UBC Bookstore and the Bike Kitchen as well as bike shops around Metro Vancouver.
Cyclists should avoid using flimsy locks that can be easily cut with bolt cutters such as chain or self-coiling locks.
Q4: What are other ways folks can help keep their bike secure?
B: There are a number of registration systems such as Project 529, a community-based collaboration between the City of Vancouver, the Vancouver Police Department and the Vancouver Parks Board. Project 529 is a bike registration and recovery service that helps track your bike if stolen.
Q5: What should someone do if they find their bike stolen on campus?
B: Report it to Campus Security and the police. Our staff take incident reports, but we encourage folks to also report it to the police
Q6: What information should someone reporting an incident be ready to give?
B: If you find your bike has been stolen be prepared to provide a description of the bike including the serial number, a picture, and details of when the theft possibly happened and location.
A number of resources are provided online for cyclists. Click here to learn more.