VCU Police seek suspect connected to multiple e-bike, e-scooter thefts

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) detectives are seeking a suspect after multiple electric bicycles and scooters were stolen on or near Monroe Park Campus.

According to police, the male suspect was seen on VCU security cameras removing e-bikes and e-scooters from bicycle racks on at least four occasions in the past two weeks, including Thursday, Oct. 2.

Suspect in e-bike theft on Sept. 23. (Photo: VCU Police)

Suspect in e-bike theft on Oct. 2. (Photo: VCU Police)

Three of these incidents reportedly occurred Thursday afternoon, with the person of interest also connected to an e-scooter theft in the 1300 block of W. Broad Street on Sept. 23, according to detectives.

Detectives said the male suspect has distinctive facial and neck tattoos.

"Scooter/bike owners should always take proper precautions to secure their vehicles when leaving them in public spaces and to report suspicious activity when they see it," VCU Police said.

VCU Police warns people to do the following in order to prevent bicycle and scooter theft:

• Register your bicycle or scooter with the university
• Use a U-lock to secure the bicycle or scooter to prevent it from being broken
• Move your bicycle or scooter regularly to prevent thieves from thinking it is abandoned
• Check on the bicycle or scooter regularly when leaving it out of your view for an extended period
• Try to position the locking mechanism facing the ground to make sure it's more difficult to tamper with
• Consider installing security devices, including a kill-switch, AirTag or other GPS tracking devices

Anyone who can help identify this person of interest is asked to call VCU Police at 804-828-1196 or submit a tip via the VCU LiveSafe app.