Bike theft on campus
On Wednesday, Feb. 26, a series of bicycle thefts were reported between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
The first theft occurred at the Chapultepec Residence Hall and was first reported around 10:30 a.m. The other bikes were stolen from the Cuicacali Residence Suites, Adams Humanities building and the physics building.
“The SDSU Police Department is an active department, and our officers are continually patrolling the campus and surrounding neighbors in addition to responding to the various calls for service,” San Diego State Police Department Public Information Officer Capt. Joshua Mays said when asked about the series of thefts.
Mays said SDSUPD offers free bicycle registration along with a police department approved complimentary U-lock. All students are encouraged to register their bikes with SDSUPD. In the event of a theft, a registered bicycle can usually be returned to its owner from anywhere in the U.S.
Mays said the officers do their best to address all reported crimes.
“Whenever a reported criminal act occurs, we put all available resources toward solving that crime,” Mays said.
For more information on how to protect your bicycle from theft, visit SDSUPD’s website.
Smoking ban lacks enforcement
On Jan. 1, SDSU implemented a ban on smoking all cigarettes and e-cigarette products on campus.
According to the “SDSU Smoke Free” website, this new policy prohibits smoking of any kind.
KPBS Facilities supervisor Skot Norton said after contacting SDSU Police dispatch, they advised him that the department does not respond to reports of smoking policy violations. However, SDSUPD will advise individuals to stop smoking if officers witness the violation during their routine patrols.
“The enforcement of the policy rests with the community through social enforcement,” Mays said
However, many SDSU students and faculty feel uncomfortable confronting policy violators in a public space. The lack of designated smoking areas combined with a lack of effective enforcement has resulted in an increased amount of cigarette butt litter in some areas on campus, Norton said.
Further information and a complete script for confronting smoking policy violators can be found on SDSU NewsCenter.
