SEATTLE -- Students at the University of Washington have seen a surge in bicycle thefts during these tough economic times, university officials said.

According to a university spokesman, more than 40 bicycles have been stolen on campus since January. The number is twice that of the same time last year.

From many college students, their bicycles are their primary mode of transportation. And in an attempt to keep thieves at bay, most lock up their wheels.

"Because it would be stolen. I love my bike," said student Bing Yi.

But not all locks are thief-proof. And police say thieves looking to make a buck can easily find a buyer for a stolen bike.

"We often check the pawn shops for stolen bikes and actually find a number of bikes at pawn shops," said Asst. Chief Ray Whittmier.

Experts say the best defense from bike thieves is a heavy-duty U-bolt lock.

UW police are working on several leads. Anyone with information on the string of bicycle thefts is urged to contact UW police.