Champaign, IL – The University of Illinois Police Department is warning students to take extra precautions after receiving multiple reports of electronic scooter thefts near one of the busiest areas on campus.
According to the University of Illinois Division of Public Safety, officers received three reports of electronic scooter thefts that occurred between June 1 and Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, at the Activities and Recreation Center (ARC), 201 E. Peabody Drive in Champaign.
University officials said there is no reason to believe the incidents pose a threat to anyone’s physical safety, but the notice was issued to help prevent additional thefts as students return to campus.
Police said officers continue to patrol the area and noted that approximately 4,000 security cameras are positioned across campus to help deter crime and identify suspects.
Investigators are asking anyone with information about the thefts to contact University Police at 217-333-1216. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Champaign County Crime Stoppers by calling 217-373-8477 (373-TIPS), visiting 373tips.com, or using the P3 Tips mobile app.
University police are also encouraging students to reduce the risk of theft by:
- Locking bicycles and scooters to a bicycle rack with a U-lock.
- Using built-in locking mechanisms when available.
- Concealing a GPS tracker, such as an AirTag, inside a scooter.
- Registering bicycles through the university at bike.illinois.edu to aid recovery if stolen.
The campus safety notice emphasized that while the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign remains a safe campus, students play an important role in protecting their property by staying alert and promptly reporting suspicious activity.
