Here at UF, police are not the enemy.
In fact, University Police offers a host of resources for students to have a safe college experience.
To prevent bike theft — the most common type of theft on campus — students can register their bikes with the department, said UPD Officer Jason Vinson.
Students are advised to bring in their bikes into the department, located on Museum Road near Jennings Hall, so officers can take the serial number from the items and add them to a database complete with the student’s name, address and contact information, Vinson said.
In return, students will get a sticker decal to put on their bikes. Vinson said the decal could deter thieves and would help police locate the bike in case it did get stolen.
“Sometimes police find the bike before the victim even realizes it’s stolen,” Vinson said.
Technology can be registered, too. Students can download Front Door Software, which allows users to lock their computers from a remote location to prevent criminals from accessing them.
UPD also offers the Student Nighttime Auxiliary Patrol (SNAP), a free taxi service that shuttles students around campus between 6:30 p.m. and 3 a.m. Students can book a trip over the phone, online or on its app.
“We’re there for the students,” Vinson said.
This story originally ran on page 19 on 8/14/2013 under the headline "Keep your valuables from walking away"
