Surge in Mobility Scooter Thefts Prompts Police Warnings in Lincoln and Murfreesboro

In Lincoln, a recent spate of mobility scooter thefts has left owners, some of whom rely heavily on these devices for daily activities, devastated and struggling to get out. Thieves, some wearing balaclavas, targeted multiple scooters overnight, cutting chains and fleeing when alarms were triggered, prompting police to urge owners to secure their scooters carefully. Meanwhile, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is experiencing a surge in electric scooter thefts, with at least 10 reports in September alone, primarily involving scooters left unsecured or locked with easily breakable devices. MTSU police recommend students use heavy-duty locks and secure scooters to designated bicycle racks, as well as document their scooters with photos, serial numbers, and receipts, which aids recovery efforts. Both Lincoln and MTSU authorities emphasize the importance of vigilance and proper security measures to help prevent these thefts and protect mobility scooter users. The incidents highlight a growing concern over the theft of personal mobility devices, affecting vulnerable populations and university communities alike.