When I sell a bike to a student, I show them how to remove and replace the front wheel, assuming a quick release.

Then I tell them: If you don't want your bike stolen, take your front wheel to class. Seriously.

Without a front wheel, your bike becomes harder to transport, as it can't be ridden away.

Doesn't prevent what's left from being stolen, but it's a step toward having something there when you get back.

Would you believe someone stole my front wheel? Not to mention the bike was a clunker.

What I often saw and heard of around campuses has been vandalism, particularly around games, with bike wheels jumped on just for the sake of smashing.