MADISON, Wis. -- University of Wisconsin-Madison police are taking extra steps to keep bikes safe from thieves.

A special GPS device has helped police catch at least 18 thieves since May, according to UW police.

The police leave what they call bait bikes around campus.

The bikes have a GPS device so when thieves pedal away, police are able to track them. Budget Bicycles donated the decoy bikes, WISC-TV reported.

"When the students come back, our goal is we're going to be handing out these stickers that say, 'This could be a bait bike,' and pamphlets on how to lock up your bike, and we're hoping put all this together will be able to deter thieves," said Jason Whitney with the UW police.

The fine for stealing a bike is about $200, WISC-TV reported.