Property Protection
College campuses and surrounding areas are often targeted by thieves, and unprotected valuables could be stolen. The best defense against thieves is vigilance. Be sure to follow the safety tips below to help protect your personal belongings.
Safety Tips
- Make sure you lock all doors and windows.
- Keep doors locked even when leaving only for a few minutes.
- Interior lighting is necessary to show signs of activity inside a residence at night.
- If you come home to find an unexplained open or broken window or door:
- Do not enter because the perpetrator may still be inside.
- Use a cell phone or neighbor's phone to call the police.
- Do not touch anything or clean up until the police have inspected for evidence.
- Write down the license plate numbers and descriptions of any suspicious vehicles.
- Note the descriptions of any suspicious persons.
- Ensure valuables are not visible from the street or common areas, especially high-end electronics.
- Mark and record serial numbers of your electronics and other valuables.
- If you use social media, never add status updates, comments or pictures that suggest you are out of town or on vacation.
- Use a good quality lock to secure bicycles or electric and motor-powered vehicles (EMPVs) to a bike rack.
- Register your bike at Transportation Services or the police department.
Preservation of Evidence
If you are the victim of a property damage or theft, then you should:
- Try to preserve all physical evidence – do not touch or move anything in the crime scene area.
- Notify the police – even if you are unsure about filing charges.
- You may also contact Designated Campus Offices to Receive Crime Reports.