Are you Vigilant of your Belongings?

Playing pool?  Taking a trip to the Bookstore? Just chatting to a friend for a few minutes?  Did you know it only takes seconds for theft to occur.  To ensure that belongings remain YOUR belongings, make sure they never leave your sight.  Public Safety and Security offers the following tips on being safe and protecting your property.

Protect Your Automobile

• Never leave your keys in the vehicle
• Avoid leaving property in your vehicle where it is visible
• Close your windows and lock your doors every time you leave your car
• When getting into a parked vehicle, check your back seat and floors for uninvited passengers
• Park in plain sight as visibility is the key to safety – leave your vehicle in a well lit populated area

Protect Your Property

• Secure your keys at all times
• Personal property – (purses, laptops, backpacks, calculators, etc) should never be left unattended
• Secure valuables in a locked cabinet or drawer.
• Always lock your bike. There are several good anti-theft devices available. Case hardened heavy locks and chains afford the best protection
• Make sure that your office is locked when you leave. Do not rely on anyone else to do it for you
• Report any loss or theft of keys, equipment, or valuables immediately to Public Safety

Per the Student Handbook Campus Security Recommendations

• Do not loan your keys to anyone, even a classmate or a friend
• Do not put your name or address on key rings in case they are lost or misplaced
• Engrave identification numbers on your valuables.
• Do not leave personal property (purses, backpacks, calculators, etc.) unattended or visible in a locked car
• Do not give personal information to strangers
• Lock your card doors and do NOT leave your keys in the vehicle.
• Avoid walking alone at night and walk where there is plenty of light and traffic.
• Be alert to your surroundings.  If you suspect you are being followed, walk fast, go in a different direct, go to the other side of the street or yell for help, and head quickly for a lighted area or a group of people.
• Have your keys ready when returning to your residence or vehicle and keep your personal valuables concealed and close to your body.
• Report suspicious activity.