Crime & Safety

Ride a Bike? Learn How to Prevent Bike Thefts

The tips were offered by the Tampa Police Department.

If you ride a bike around Seminole Heights, here are a few tips from the Tampa Police Department on how to keep it safe:

AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION

Register your bicycle with the Tampa Police Department.  Your registration provides us with the necessary information so if your bike is ever stolen, we would have a record of the serial number when you called to make the report.   It would enable us to submit the information about your stolen bicycle into the law enforcement databases quickly and easily.  Simply complete the registration on line.

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SERIAL NUMBERS ARE IMPORTANT

Serial numbers are a set of characters that uniquely identify an object and can be used for trace ability and warranty purposes.  Serial numbers, however, are especially important when reporting stolen items, such as bicycles.  A serial number is a method to enter the bicycle in our computerized record system as stolen.

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PROTECT YOUR BICYCLE

Use a good quality-locking device such as hardened steel “U” shaped lock or a hardened steel chain and padlock. Weak, inexpensive locks will not deter a proficient thief.

BICYCLE REGISTRATION SIGNS - BOLO

 When you’re riding your bicycle in Tampa on a bicycle trail, in your favorite neighborhood or visiting your favorite bicycle shop BOLO (be on the lookout) for Tampa Police Department’s bicycle registration signs, sponsored by Target.

 You can scan the QR Code and forward the Tampa Police Department bicycle registration page to your friends, so they, too, can register their bicycle.


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