Tips to Avoid Theft
Tips to Avoid The Theft of Personal Property
Theft is the unlawful taking of personal property and the single most common crime on campus. However most thefts are crimes of opportunity and can be prevented simply by taking away the opportunity by following some basic Safety Steps.
FROM RESIDENCE HALLS
- Lock your room doors at all times.
- Lock your windows whenever you are away from your room.
- Do not allow unescorted persons to stay in your room when you're not there.
- Do not let strangers in your room.
- Be suspicious of unknown persons loitering in or near the Residence Halls and report all such persons to Public Safety immediately.
- Never prop exterior doors open.
- Keep a written record of any valuables or electronic equipment in your room, to include make, model, serial number and cost, in case something is stolen.
FROM OFFICES
- Avoid keeping handbags under your desk.
- When leaving an unattended office, even for a short period of time, lock the office door.
- Do not bring large sums of cash with you to work.
- Carry only the credit cards you require and identification.
- If you must leave your purse or wallet in your work area, lock it in a desk or file cabinet.
FROM CLASSROOMS
- Do not leave personal items unattended.
- Report any suspicious persons/activities to your instructor and Public Safety.
- Keep personal property in view at all times.
- Try not to bring valuables to class with you.
FROM YOUR VEHICLE
- Lock your vehicle at all times.
- Don't leave windows rolled down, not even a crack.
- Don't leave vital information in your car. Your registration and insurance paperwork contains personal home information that could allow a criminal to then target you at home. Carry them in your purse or wallet.
- Park in well lit areas.
- Mark stereo and other electronic equipment with personal identification markings.
- Don't leave other valuables in your vehicle.
- Make sure your parking permit is correctly affixed to your vehicle (Front windshield lower left/driver's side). Parking permits are a commonly stolen item.
- Invest in a car alarm.
- Take notice of any suspicious persons loitering in parking areas and immediately report them to Public Safety if on Campus or to local Police if off Campus.
"Protecting and Serving with Pride"