Situational awareness: Bike theft

From: Virginia Tech Police

The Virginia Tech Police Department (VTPD) responded for a call of a stolen bicycle on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025 on the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg. After a short investigation a suspect was identified and found to be connected to multiple bicycle thefts across campus. In total 20 bicycles are believed to have been stolen.  The thefts occurred between Jan. 20, 2025 and Jan. 27, 2025. VTPD was able to recover nine bicycles while an additional 11 bicycles are believed to have been sold.
 
Based on the investigation, Antwain Maurice Booth, a 45-year-old male from Lynchburg, Virginia, was charged with seven counts of misdemeanor larceny, five counts of misdemeanor destruction of property and one felony count of possession of burglary tools. It appears Booth acted alone and has no affiliation with the university. 
 
VTPD is continuing to investigate the incident to determine if Booth may have been involved in other thefts across the Blacksburg area. VTPD is also attempting to identify additional victims who experienced a bicycle theft recently.
 
Victims of theft are asked to contact Sergeant J. Brooks at 540-231-3472 or Detective K. Ball at 540-231-6790 to retrieve the bikes. To report an incident, contact the police department at 540-382-4343. Online reports can be made at:  Report a Crime  
 
Virginia Tech encourages all Hokies to register their bike when they bring it to campus. For more information, go to: Bicycle Registration | Sustainable Transportation | Virginia Tech