A bicycle built for thieves

The Tucson Citizen reported today that Bicycle theft in Tucson is at a three-year low. At the same time, it provides interviews with several Tucsonans who have had their bikes stolen recently. I have to wonder if the low statistics are the result of low reporting, and not of an actual reduction in crime.
A bicycle was stolen off of my locked porch last year and I didn't report it. What would the police even do about it? The bike I got for Christmas when I was 12 and I brought half way across the country to Tucson wasn't stolen, but rather beaten to bits in an apparent attempt to steal it. I didn't report that, either.
I wonder if any of the bikes on the U of A campus that are perpetually parked at the racks- missing wheels, seats, handlebars, or other accessories- are ever reported stolen.
Unless the bike is extremely expensive, and depending on your deductible, what would even be the point of reporting it stolen to the police and your insurance company?
The Tucson Citizen's report of bike thefts going down is about as believable as their article on Tucson being ranked the 5th safest city to drive in. Consider that perhaps Tucson has a lower rate of reported accidents because of the high numbers of uninsured drivers who flee the scene or work out a cash deal so that the police never get involved.
Don't believe statistics (especially in Tucson) when they seem to contradict common sense.
I would like to offer a little constructive criticism: How about requiring pawn shops and other bike sellers to provide documentation that their merchandise was legally purchased? Why not require that any bicycle parked on the U of A campus must have its serial number registered with the UAPD? Why not offer U-locks through the city government at low cost? It certainly seems like it would save us all a lot of trouble in the long run.