Protecting Your Automobile
- Always lock your doors and never leave your keys in the vehicle.
- Avoid leaving property where it is visible.
- Keep windows up and doors locked.
- Keep gas tank above 1/2 a tank and keep a map in the car.
- Park in well lit areas and check for loiterers.
- Try to park close to your destination.
- When getting into a parked car, check the back seat and floor for strangers.
Avoiding Laptop Theft
Laptop computers have become prime targets on campus. With laptops valued up to $5,000 the incidence of thefts are increasing. Below are several strategies that may prevent the theft of laptops or aid in their recovery should become a victim.
- Never leave your laptop unattended.
- Keep your laptop from accessible windows where a thief can quickly break the window, reach in and remove the machine from your room.
- Keep your residence hall room locked at all times.
- In a residence hall, be mindful of having a laptop unattended in common spaces, such as the study lounge, kitchens, etc. Because the residence hall is viewed as home, it is easy to become too trusting and complacent.
- The doors to labs, office spaces, and residence hall rooms should be secured whenever your laptop is left unattended. If possible, the laptop should be stored in a locked file cabinet or secured with a locking device.
- Record the make, model and serial number of your computer and devices associated with it.
- Report the theft of your laptop immediately to Security.
- Report suspicous activity to Security immediately.
- Do not leave your laptop unattended at the library. It takes seconds for a thief to walk away with your laptop.
Protecting Your Property
- Participate in the Operation Identification Program.
- Personal property (purses, laptops, calculators, etc) should never be left unattended. Take such items with you when leaving a classroom or residential hall.
- Never open exterior doors of the building to strangers or non-residents. Always escort your guests to and from the main entrance doors.
- You are encouraged to open a savings or checking account rather than allow large sums of money to accumulate in your room. If you open a checking account, remember the number of the last check written. The theft of a single check can go undetected until a bank statement discloses a forgery.
- Park your bike where you can keep an eye on it if possible. Always lock your bike. There are several good anti-theft devices available. Case hardened heavy locks and chains afford the best protection.
Additional Safety Tips
- Secure Your Keys - Keep personal and university keys secure at all times. Do not loan your keys out.
- Secure Valuables - Keep valuables in a locked cabinet or drawer. Do not leave book bags unattended; it only takes a few seconds for a theft to take place.
- Lock Your Office and Room - Make sure that your office or room is locked when you leave. Do not rely on anyone else to do it for you.
- Report Losses - Report any loss or theft of keys, equipment, or valuables immediately to Security at 2111.
