On Sunday, April 6th, Missouri State University Campus Safety received a report of a stolen vehicle from a university parking lot. The vehicle—a Kia manufactured within the years most targeted by thieves—was taken in what is believed to be a quick and opportunistic theft.

Unfortunately, Kia and Hyundai vehicles produced between 2012 and 2021 are known targets for auto theft nationwide due to a security vulnerability. Many of these vehicles lack an engine immobilizer, which makes them easier to start without a key using basic tools. This issue has been widely circulated on social media and continues to impact campuses and communities across the country.

Protect Your Vehicle

Campus Safety wants to remind students, faculty, and staff that if you own a Kia or Hyundai vehicle manufactured between 2012 and 2021, you may be at increased risk for theft.

To help protect your vehicle, Missouri State University Campus Safety is offering free steering wheel locks to students who own these high-risk models. These locks are a simple but effective deterrent to would-be thieves.

How to Get a Free Steering Wheel Lock:

• Bring your BearPass ID
• Bring proof of vehicle ownership or registration
• Visit the Campus Safety office at 700 E. Elm during normal business hours

Supplies are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Stay Aware & Take Precautions

• Always lock your car and take your keys
• Park in well-lit, high-traffic areas when possible
• Avoid leaving valuables in plain sight
• Consider installing a vehicle alarm or aftermarket immobilizer

If you see suspicious activity around campus parking lots, report it immediately to Campus Safety at (417) 836-5509.

Campus Safety remains committed to supporting a safe and secure environment for all members of the Missouri State community.

Missouri State University Safety wants to alert students about a recent increase in thefts of unsecured electric scooters from campus bike racks. On March 13, 2025, two electric scooters were stolen after being left unsecured. These incidents highlight the importance of properly securing your bike or scooter to prevent theft.

How to Keep Your Bike or Scooter Safe

• Use a U-Lock – Cable locks are easy to cut. A sturdy U-lock is the best deterrent against theft. Secure both the frame and the front wheel to a bike rack.
• Register Your Bike or Scooter – Registering with University Safety makes it easier to recover your property if stolen and helps law enforcement track stolen items. Register yours today:
  Bike & Scooter Registration Form
• Park in Well-Lit, High-Traffic Areas – Thieves prefer low-visibility targets. Locking your bike or scooter or bike in a visible, well-lit location makes it less attractive to criminals.
• Take Accessories With You – If your bike or scooter has a removable battery or other detachable parts, take them with you when you leave.
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings – Report any suspicious activity around bike racks to University Safety immediately at 417-836-5509.

These recent thefts serve as a reminder that taking a few simple precautions can help protect your property. If you have any questions or concerns about bike and scooter security, contact Missouri State University Safety.

What’s happening?

In the past week, we have received five reports of e-scooter thefts on campus. These thefts occurred at different bike racks and times, but they all have one thing in common: the scooters were left unlocked, secured with a weak lock, or improperly secured.

E-scooters are becoming more popular among students as a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around campus. However, they are also attractive targets for thieves who can easily sell them or use them for their own purposes.

How to prevent theft?

The best way to prevent your e-scooter from being stolen is to lock it properly whenever you park it. Here are some tips on how to do that:

• Use a U-lock, not a cable lock. Cable locks can be easily cut with bolt cutters or other tools. U-locks are much harder to break and deter most thieves.
• Lock your e-scooter to a sturdy bike rack, a fence, or a pole. Make sure the object cannot be lifted, cut, or removed.
• Lock your e-scooter or bike through the frame, not the wheel. If you lock the wheel only, a thief can remove the wheel and take the rest of the scooter or bike.
• Lock your e-scooter in a visible, well-lit area where there are people around. Avoid dark, isolated places where thieves can work undisturbed.

How to register your e-scooter?

Another way to protect your e-scooter is to register it with Campus Safety. This will help us identify and recover your scooter in case it is stolen or lost. Registration is free and easy; stop by the Transportation office located at 700 E. Elm to register.

To register your e-scooter, you will need the following information:

• The make, model, and color of your e-scooter
• The serial number of your e-scooter (usually found on the bottom or the side of the scooter)
• A photo of your e-scooter
• Your name, M#, email, and phone number

Once you register your e-scooter, you will receive a sticker with a unique code that you can attach to your scooter. This will help us verify that the scooter belongs to you and contact you if we find it.

What to do if your e-scooter is stolen?

If your e-scooter is stolen, you should report it to Campus Safety as soon as possible. You can call us at (417) 836-5509 or visit us at 700 E. Elm St. You will need to provide us with the following information:

• The date, time, and location of the theft
• A description of your e-scooter and its lock
• The registration code and sticker of your e-scooter (if you have registered it)
• Any other details or witnesses that may help us investigate the theft

We will file a report and try to locate and recover your e-scooter. We will also notify you if we have any updates or need more information from you.

Stay safe and ride smart.

We hope that this blog post has helped you understand the risks and precautions of e-scooter thefts on campus. We want you to enjoy your e-scooter and use it safely and responsibly. By following these tips, you can reduce the chances of losing your ride and help us keep our campus safe and secure.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at any time. We are here to serve and protect you.

Around noon on November 9, 2022, a burglary occurred in an office in Temple Hall. An individual wearing tennis shoes, blue jeans and a two-tone blue hoodie (photo below) was observed coming out of an unoccupied office where the door was left open. Items belonging to the university were determined to be missing. The individual was observed getting on a white bicycle and riding away.

This incident is being investigated by the Springfield Police Department.

Reminder:

• Do not leave items of value unattended.
• Lock spaces when not in use.
• Keep keys with you at all times.
• Report suspicious activity to University Safety at 417-836-5509