Here at the University of Florida, approximately 400 bicycles are reported stolen each year. The main cause of bicycle theft is simply that they are available to the thief day and night.
Most thefts however occur at night and on weekends when the thief is less likely to be detected.
Therefore, if you cannot keep your bicycle indoors at night and on weekends, make sure you properly secure it with a maximum-security lock. When it comes to locks remember you get what you pay for. Combination locks and cables are NOT recommended because they are easy to break or cut. The locks that offer the greatest degree of security are the U-shaped locks. You should secure the bicycle frame as well as both wheels, and anchor your bicycle to an immovable object, such as a bike rack.