Chapel Hill law enforcement officials are trying to take a "bike out of crime."

Bicycles are a big target for thieves. Other than locking your bike to a rack, police say registering your bike is the quickest and most effective way to prevent theft.

Bike registration is mandatory for UNC-Chapel Hill students, faculty and staff, and it should be completed by the first day of classes in August.

Department of Public Health Spokesman Randy Young says having bike information on file can speed up the investigation process.