Sheriff's Office Aims to Deter Bicycle Thefts

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is hoping to stem the rise of bicycle thefts by working with residents to register their bikes at one of four events scheduled for Jan. 19 at neighborhood parks and centers.

Registration also is available online, both with a form in English and form in Spanish. The forms can be picked up at any of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office locations.

"Should a bicycle be lost or stolen, the best way to help the sheriff's office locate, identify and return a bicycle to its rightful owner is to register it," according to a sheriff's office event release. "Simply by registering your bicycle, you are helping to deter bicycle theft."

For more on bicycle theft and intervention, including tips and an instructional video for how best to lock your bike, see:

Here's How Bicylce Registration Works

• A registration number is assigned to your bicycle.

• Ownership information is entered into the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office's records management system.

Hillsborough County Bicyle Registration Event Locations
(Saturday, Jan. 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) 

• University Area Community Center, 14013 North 22nd St., Tampa
• Brandon Recreation Center, 510 East Sadie Street
• Gardenville Recreation Center, 6219 Symmes Road, Gibsonton
• Channel Park Trailhead (Upper Tampa Bay Trail), 9201 West Waters Ave., Tampa