Timely Warning (24-01)

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.

On March 19, 2024, a UF Facilities truck was reported stolen to the University of Florida Police Department. The vehicle was stolen around 5 a.m. from outside of Turlington Hall. It was left running and unlocked with the keys inside. The vehicle was recovered by UFPD at an apartment complex off campus around 7:40 a.m. later that day. This incident is under investigation.

Additionally, UFPD has seen an increase in motor vehicle thefts, which include e-bikes and e-scooters, primarily on the east portion of campus since the start of the Spring 2024 semester. The majority of the e-bikes/e-scooters stolen were taken within hours of the item being locked; most were secured using a bicycle cable lock.

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

While these thefts are often crimes of opportunity, we encourage you to take steps to protect your belongings. E-bikes and e-scooters are easy to steal, as they are lightweight and compact. Additionally, bicycle cable locks can be cut or tampered with using standard wire cutters. UFPD recommends registering bicycles, e-bikes, and e-scooters either in person at the Public Safety Building (1555 Museum Rd. Gainesville, FL 32612) or with any UFPD officer on campus. Additionally, UFPD recommends using a metal U-lock to secure these items.

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.

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

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

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

Information for support resources, services and programs at the University of Florida can be found at:

https://clery.compliance.ufl.edu/resources/victim-resources/