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Crime & Safety

How to Protect Your Bicycle from Theft

Maryanne Hunsberger, crime prevention practitioner at Tampa Police Department District I, encourages residents to register their bikes.

Maryanne Hunsberger, crime prevention practitioner at Tampa Police Department District I, said that the district has experienced an increase in bicycle theft from open garages.

Hunsberger says can be greatly reduced if owners take adequate security measures by investing in equipment that will be effective.

For instance, residents should use a quality locking device such as a U-shaped hardened steel with a locking bar, or a hardened steel chain and padlock to secure their bikes. Weak, inexpensive locks do not deter a proficient thief.

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Also, folks should always close their garage doors since it only takes a few seconds for criminals to enter a garage and remove a bike.

As a pro-active measure to help District I reduce bicycle theft, residents should print the bicycle registration form (PDF file on the right), complete it and return it to Hunsberger via e-mail at Maryanne.Hunsberger@ci.tampa.fl.us, via fax at 813 354-6676 or via mail to:

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Tampa Police Department, District One
Bicycle Registration & Theft Prevention Program
3818 West Tampa Bay Boulevard
Tampa, Florida 33614

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