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Arrest Made in Duke Bike Thefts

Duke Police recommend using U-locks to protect bikes on campus

The Durham Police Department on Friday arrested and charged a Durham man in connection with a series of bicycle thefts across Duke's campus and Durham.

Garry Raines was charged with three counts of misdemeanor larceny, three counts of entry to personal property, one count of trespassing and is pending a probation violation.

Duke Police worked in conjunction with the Durham Police Department to apprehend Raines, who, investigators say, stole upward of 20 bikes in the past month. Many bikes were taken from Duke's campus.

In each case of bicycle theft, a pair of wire cutters was used to break through wired locks, said William Higgins, interim investigations sergeant with Duke Police. Duke Police recommend all students, faculty and staff secure bikes to a bike rack with a U-lock, which is stronger than a cable or chain. In addition, Duke community members should take these steps to secure bicycles:

  • When locking a bike, don't just secure the front tire because a thief can detach the frame. Place a U-lock through the frame and front tire.
  • Record a bike's serial number, which is normally found on the bottom of a crankset. That will aide in recovering a lost or stolen bike.
  • Have a bike engraved for free by Duke Police to help identify property if it's stolen.

Duke community members are encouraged to report suspicious activity by calling Duke Police at (919) 684-2444.