The Division of Public Safety sent a campus-wide email on Tuesday informing the University community of its investigation into an “increase in electric scooter thefts” in Penn-patrolled areas.
The July 8 email warned that the thefts have been seen across the greater Philadelphia area, including on Drexel University’s campus. There have been 25 instances of e-bike and motorized scooter theft — classified as auto theft — in the past 60 days, according to Penn’s crime log.
In a statement to The Daily Pennsylvanian, DPS wrote that there were "19 thefts reported between June 1, 2025, and July 7, 2025" — and "4 arrests have been effected related to these thefts."
DPS specified that the scooter thefts have been focused in the Penn Patrol zone — from “34th and Spruce to Convention Avenue in the Medical Complex” and “along 40th Street from Market to Spruce Streets.” The letter emphasized the importance of "properly securing" scooters and "being aware of your surroundings" to “prevent additional thefts.”
“Penn Police are working to reduce instances of these thefts using many law enforcement methods including crime mapping, data analysis, changes to deployment, through technology such as our bait scooter program, and should a theft occur, with detailed investigation by our Detective Unit and support from our Special Services department,” DPS wrote to the DP.
The campus message also offered advice and resources to help “protect the community" and prevent additional theft.
The email mentions that PennCard holders can register property with a photo and description on the CampusExpress website, and should secure their item with a “key and U-lock style lock.” They should also store their devices "outside of buildings, away from entrances,” and lock them to bike racks, according to DPS.
To stay safe while operating a “personal mobility device,” DPS reminded the University community to always “wear a helmet,” and remain “mindful of other riders, vehicles, and always yield to pedestrians.” These devices are “prohibited on the sidewalks in Philadelphia, and restricted from use on University walkways.”
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The recent investigation follows a pattern of electric scooter thefts that occurred in spring 2024. 17 scooter thefts were reported in Penn’s DPS patrol zone between Jan. 1 and Feb. 2 of 2024.
Philadelphia’s Indego bike share program faced similar theft challenges in 2020, with nearly 25% of Indego's 1400 bikes stolen during the year, costing the company $500,000. As a result, tracking devices were installed, and action was taken to limit the use of stolen credit cards within the system.
DPS ended its letter to the Penn community with reminders of other safety services that remain available, such as using a walking escort in the campus area or PennRides for transportation.
