Champaign Police Investigate String of Scooter Thefts at U of I

Champaign, IL – The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) has released a campus safety notice following three reported thefts of electronic scooters. The incidents occurred between August 24, 2026, and September 2, 2026, at Bousfield Hall, located at 1214 South Fourth Street.

While the university maintains that the Urbana-Champaign campus is generally a safe environment, police acknowledge that no large community is entirely free from criminal activity. UIPD stated they are working diligently with law enforcement partners to prevent further incidents and to identify the perpetrators responsible for the recent thefts.

In response to the spree, the university is urging students and staff to take a more active role in protecting their property. Authorities suggest several preventative measures, including locking scooters to bicycle racks using U-locks rather than weaker cable locks. Owners are also advised to utilize built-in locking mechanisms if available, rather than wrapping locks around handlebars.

Furthermore, the police department encourages owners to register their scooters with the university at bike.illinois.edu, which can assist in recovery efforts if items are stolen. Other proactive steps include hiding a GPS tracking device, such as an AirTag, inside the frame of the scooter. Detailed information on the ongoing investigations and additional safety resources can be found by reading the full campus safety notice at police.illinois.edu.

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