This week’s Safety & Security Corner focuses on recent thefts of bikes and cell phones in the Longwood Medical Area. As always, staff should report safety concerns by telling a manager, calling Security at 617-732-6565 or emailing non-urgent questions to BWHSafety@partners.org.

A number of recent bicycle and cell phone thefts around the main campus and Longwood Medical Area have been reported to the Boston Police Department. Many of the bike thefts have occurred because people are only locking their bike’s front tire to a stationary object. Thieves can easily remove the front tire and steal the rest of a bike. If possible, please secure your bike frame with a U-lock (see image) rather than a cable lock. U-locks provide better protection for your bike. There is also a bicycle cage on the ground floor of the 5 Francis St. garage that is open around the clock. The cage is equipped with a card reader, cameras and alarms to ensure your bike is safe at all hours. For more information or to sign up to use the cage, visit the Security and Parking office in the Neville House on Vining Street. Call Security and Parking at 617-732-5877 with questions.

Additionally, someone has been riding a bicycle in the area and stealing phones from people while they are talking on them and appear distracted. Please be aware of your surroundings, and when possible, make calls before leaving or upon entering a building.