Arrest Resolves Seven Spring Bicycle Thefts

Click image to enlarge Larry Ford Download Image

After the Georgia Tech Police Department (GTPD) captured an image of a bicycle theft in progress and distributed a “Be on the lookout” notice, Georgia State University Police arrested Larry Ford on their campus on May 31.

Among the charges against Ford are seven counts of theft by taking for stealing bicycles on the Georgia Tech campus. Ford is now in the Fulton County Jail.

“Keeping our campus safe means staying vigilant and cooperating with those who can help us bring a quick resolution to our cases,” said Georgia Tech Police Chief Rob Connolly. “We had his image on one of our cameras, we distributed that image through our social medial channels, and ultimately, he was caught at a sister institution a few miles away. Law enforcement is a collaborative effort, and we’re grateful to GSU for helping bring this case to a close.”

GTPD continues to stress to students that bicycle theft is a preventable crime. By always using a reliable lock, such as a u-lock, bicycle owners can protect their property. Thieves often look for the least secured bike on a rack and take the ones that are unsecured.

GTPD’s Core Team has begun tagging and locking bikes they find unsecured on campus. The owner then has to contact GTPD to get the lock removed, but they also don’t have their property stolen.

“It’s a good way to educate our bike owners,” said Sgt. Gary Cook, who heads the bicycle unit and teaches bicycle safety courses. “It’s much better for us to come and lock your bike than for someone to steal it.”

For more on securing your bicycle, watch the public service announcement.