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May 04, 2023

Timely Warning

Published: June 9th, 2023 Category: Timely Warning-Gainesville Timely Warning

Published: June 9th, 2023

Category: Timely Warning-Gainesville

Timely Warning (23-02)

Clery Crime: Motor Vehicle Theft

Under the Clery Act, the University of Florida issues Timely Warning messages regarding Clery Act crimes which pose a serious and continuing threat to the campus community.

The University of Florida Police Department has seen an increase in motor vehicle thefts and bicycle thefts, primarily in the southeast portion of campus.

On June 8th, 2023, UFPD was made aware of a theft of an e-scooter that was taken from the south side of Shands North Tower. The motor vehicle theft occurred between the hours of 7 AM-6 PM on 6/8/2023. The e-scooter was secured to a bicycle rack utilizing a bicycle cable lock.

On June 6th, 2023, UFPD was made aware of a theft of a motorcycle that occurred in Parking Garage 2 (1831 Mowry Rd Gainesville, FL 32603). The motor vehicle theft occurred between the hours of 9 AM-12 PM on 6/62023. This case is currently being investigated by Detectives assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division of UFPD.

In addition to the cases above, the UFPD has seen an increase in the number of bicycle thefts in the Shands North, medical education area, and campus residential areas that border SW 13th Street. The increase in thefts has been observed between UF graduation (approximately May 1st) and now. These bicycles were secured to bicycle racks primarily with bicycle cable locks.

UFPD recommends Hide, Lock, and Take. Hide all valuables inside the vehicle, secure them inside the trunk, or take them with you. Lock your vehicle by securing all doors and ensuring the windows are closed. Take your vehicle keys with you. UFPD recommends these three steps regardless of where you are parking. UFPD also encourages individuals who utilize bicycles on campus to register them either in person at the Public Safety Building (1555 Museum Rd. Gainesville, FL 32612) or can be assisted by any UFPD officer on campus. Lastly, UFPD recommends the use of a metal U-lock to secure bicycles.

Anyone with information on these incidents or information about suspicious activity in the area during the reported timeframe is encouraged to contact UFPD at (352) 392-1111 or via the UFPD Silent Witness portal at https://police.ufl.edu/contact/silent-witness/.

The University of Florida strongly believes that no person is responsible for harm inflicted by another person.

Criminal incidents can be reported to UF CSAs who are designated, trained, and mandatory reporters under the Clery Act when victims chose not to report to law enforcement.

Reporting to law enforcement is encouraged by calling 9-1-1 or through the GatorSafe app.

Be sure to lock up your vehicles, residential hall rooms, and offices when you leave. Remove any valuables from sight or take them with you when you leave. Never leave keys or means to access your vehicle within the vehicle.

Information for support resources, services and programs at the University of Florida can be found at:https://clery.compliance.ufl.edu/resources/victim-resources/