Prof. Samantha Clarke
Recently, there has been a surge in vehicle thefts and break-ins near the University of Florida campus in Gainesville. Several incidents were reported to the University of Florida Police Department (UFPD), raising concerns about the safety of vehicles in the area.
According to the UFPD report, on April 1, 2024, four e-scooters, one e-bike, and one motor scooter were reported stolen. Most of these vehicles were secured with cable/combination locks and were taken from the east side of the campus. The stolen vehicles have not been recovered yet, and an investigation is underway.
Aside from the vehicle thefts, three car break-ins were also reported in Garages 4 and 8. The perpetrators specifically targeted vehicles with “soft tops” by unzipping or cutting the roof of the vehicle to gain access. This method allowed the burglars to quickly enter the cars and steal valuables or personal belongings left inside.
The UFPD is actively investigating all these incidents, aiming to identify the culprits and prevent further thefts and break-ins. However, it is worth noting that similar burglaries of vehicles have also been reported to the Gainesville Police Department in the vicinity of SW 13th Street between March 29 and April 1, 2024.
To assist in these investigations, UFPD is urging anyone with information about these incidents or suspicious activities in the area to come forward. They can contact UFPD at (352) 392-1111 or provide information anonymously through the UFPD Silent Witness portal at https://police.ufl.edu/contact/silent-witness/.
It’s crucial for students, faculty, and staff to remain vigilant and take appropriate precautions to safeguard their vehicles. Proactive measures such as parking in well-lit areas, using more secure locking mechanisms, and removing valuables from sight can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a target for theft. By working together and staying alert, we can help create a safer environment for everyone in the University of Florida community.
The recent surge in vehicle thefts and break-ins near the University of Florida campus in Gainesville has raised concerns about the safety of vehicles in the area. The University of Florida Police Department (UFPD) has reported multiple incidents, including the theft of e-scooters, e-bikes, and motor scooters.
In the UFPD report dated April 1, 2024, it was stated that most of the stolen vehicles were secured with cable/combination locks and were taken from the east side of the campus. Unfortunately, the stolen vehicles have not yet been recovered, and an investigation is currently underway.
Apart from vehicle thefts, there have also been reports of car break-ins in Garages 4 and 8. The perpetrators specifically targeted vehicles with “soft tops” by unzipping or cutting the roof of the vehicle to gain access quickly. These break-ins allowed the burglars to steal valuables or personal belongings that were left inside the cars.
The UFPD is actively investigating these incidents in order to identify the culprits and prevent further thefts and break-ins. However, it is important to note that similar burglaries of vehicles have also been reported to the Gainesville Police Department in the vicinity of SW 13th Street between March 29 and April 1, 2024.
To assist in these investigations, the UFPD is urging anyone with information about these incidents or suspicious activities in the area to come forward. They can contact the UFPD directly at (352) 392-1111 or provide information anonymously through the UFPD Silent Witness portal.
In light of these incidents, it is crucial for students, faculty, and staff to remain vigilant and take appropriate precautions to safeguard their vehicles. Parking in well-lit areas, using more secure locking mechanisms, and removing valuables from sight are proactive measures that can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a target for theft. By working together and staying alert, we can create a safer environment for everyone in the University of Florida community.
For more information on campus crime prevention and safety measures, visit the University of Florida Police Department’s website: police.ufl.edu.
Sources:
– UFPD Silent Witness portal: https://police.ufl.edu/contact/silent-witness/
– University of Florida Police Department website: police.ufl.edu
