Crime Prevention

Theft Prevention

bikelock security

Keeping your bike safe can be as easy as 1-2-3 

There are numerous bike racks strategically located around campus that are available to the campus community for safer bike storage during all hours of the day.  These bike racks are typically in more visible and lighted public locations to discourage a potential bike thief.

Thieves look for the quick and easy steal rather than the difficult steal.  One of the most effective methods of prevention is to make it as difficult as possible for someone to consider stealing a bike.

Bicycle Theft Prevention 

  • The more expensive and attractive your bicycle is the more likely it is to be stolen. A mechanically sound, generic appearing bicycle is a less likely target.
  • Lock your bike! The best protection for your bike is to secure it properly with a hardened steel "U-shaped" lock.
  • If your bike is missing call the USF Police immediately.
  • Always lock your bike to a fixed bike rack; never use railings or stairwells. Remember to lock the frame and both wheels tomore fully protect your bike.
  • Always use a high quality U-Lock or other case hardened bike locking system, invest some time in the selection of the bike lock.
  • Register your bicycle.

Bicycle and property registration

Request Free Property Registration

Property Registration Sticker

Protect your investment! USFPD offeres ProTechDNA, a FREE property registration program, geared to prevention and recovery of lost personal property.  

If you become the victim of a bicycle theft, have the peace of mind in knowing that your bicycle has been registered with the USF Police Department. Help us, help you recover your lost or stolen property by registering it with the USFPD Property Registration Program. This program documents your serial numbers and owner information for a simplified return of property. USFPD is partnering with ProTechDNA for this program. To register your bicycle or scooter, please bring it with you when you visit the USF Police Building on USF Genshaft Drive. You can also contact USFPD at 813-974-2628 to request an officer to come meet you on campus to complete the registration and apply the DNA sticker to the bike. Please email: USFPDcrimeprevention@usf.edu if you have any questions about this program. 

Here is another helpful tip: To assist in the recovery, you should record the serial number and keep it someplace safe. Engrave your driver's license number on your bicycle. 

 
REPORTING SUSPICIOUS PERSONS


If you observe suspicious persons loitering around the campus bike racks immediately contact the University Police.  A potential thief will take time to select a bike that is unlocked or is secured with a locking system that will be easy to defeat, which can take several minutes.

If you see someone escorting a second bike with no rider or carrying bicycle parts in the campus area you should immediately contact the University Police at 727-873-4444.