In the fourth act of on-campus bike theft this month, university police arrested two minors for stealing two bicycles from the south peninsula of campus on Wednesday, Oct. 23. The incident makes 18 bikes stolen on campus since January.
The theft took place near the Knight Oceanographic Research Center. Suspects were arrested at 1:54 p.m., according to Sgt. Jonathan Dye of University Police Services.
The culprits were in a group of eight seen roaming around USF St. Petersburg on Wednesday. Dye said the police returned the bicycles to their owners.
“We have recently seen an upswing in bike thefts,” Dye said. “I don’t know that it’s common.”
He said it’s not an unusual trend either, as bicycles are easy items to steal.
This incident of bicycle theft followed the Oct. 19 strong-armed robbery, meaning one made with immediate force, reported by the Crow’s Nest last week.
University Police Services said the victim’s bicycle was locked to the rack on the north end of the Science and Technology Building. Two people approached the student, while a third came up and stole his bicycle. One person swung at the student, but no contact was made and there were no injuries.
“It was almost a warning strike,” Dye said.
The suspects arrested on Wednesday were unrelated to this incident, as far as police know.
The case is ongoing, but University Police Services has developed several leads. Other strong-armed robberies occurred in the St. Petersburg area on Saturday, Oct. 19, and city police made some arrests. Those arrested are considered suspects in the USFSP case.
“I was a little surprised on the strong-armed robbery case,” Dye said, classifying it as “unusual.”
Dye encouraged students, staff and faculty to have a heightened awareness when walking around campus at night. He said people should know who is standing around them, especially when they are bending down to unlock their bicycles.
Parking bicycles in well-lit areas will also increase safety. Dye recommended the rack outside of the University Student Center, because it is well-lit and monitored by a security camera.
Dye said he has noticed a trend in bicycle thieves carrying bolt cutters. One of those arrested on Oct. 23 had a set of bolt cutters in his possession. He suggested students use thick U-Bolt locks to secure their bicycles because thieves are cutting through chain and cable locks. No bicycles secured by U-Bolt locks have been stolen from the USFSP campus, Dye said. But, “This not to say they can’t be defeated.”
Those with questions or concerns about bicycle thefts are asked to contact University Police Services at 727-873-4140. In an emergency dial 34140 or 911.
How to prevent bike theft:
– Secure your bike with a U-Bolt lock (such as the one featured in the photo). Chain and locks are easier to cut through
– Use the bike rack in front of the University Student Center. It is well-lit and monitored by a security camera.
– Register your bike with the city or University Police Services. If your bike is not registered, police cannot help recover it. St. Petersburg bicyclists are required to register their bikes. (Bikes can be registered through the city at www.stpete.org/police/bike-registration.html)
– Be aware of your surroundings when unlocking your bicycle. Know who is standing by when you kneel down or turn your back.
– If you find your bike damaged, take it with you right away. Some thieves will intentionally puncture tires so the owner will leave it unattended longer.
