Preventing Theft on Campus

How Not to be a Victim of Property Crime

Mar 25, 2007

When students head off to college with expensive gadgets, they need to take responsible steps to prevent their property from being stolen.

Students bring high priced items like bicycles, laptops, cell phones, and MP3 players to their homes-away-from-home. Dorm living is far from secure, and students should be attentive when caring for valuable property. Property crime on campus is rampant, but responsible ownership is often the best step to not becoming a victim.

Students find that they are often required to have social security cards, birth certificates and medical records on hand. All important documents should be kept in a safe, secure place. If documents are safer at your permanent address, copies can often be used in lieu of the original. Keep track of those documents you do keep at your university address, so that if something like your passport is stolen, you can promptly report it to police.

Students should realize that some vigilance now could prevent significant negative effects in their future. Care should be taken to protect personal information online. Keep passwords private and change them often. Investing in a shredder to destroy sensitive documents (and to shred the many credit card offers you will receive) can prevent someone from getting your information out of the trash. Stay on top of your credit history by requesting your free annual credit report either online, by phone (1-877-322-8228), or by writing to:

Many students starting college will still be covered by their parents’ auto and homeowners insurance. Students should verify what is covered and what is not. Students living on or off campus can get peace of mind and property protection from renters insurance. Be aware that many plans come with a deductible, so familiarize yourself with your policy so you are not surprised later when you need to make a claim. Record serial numbers and store them in an easy to access location so you can quickly provide them to police in the event of theft.

Secure bikes at bike racks and with solid locks. Inexpensive chain locks are easy for experienced bike thieves to cut through. A little more money spent on a good quality u-lock can protect your investment. Campus or local police often provide bike registration programs, so that if your bike is stolen or recovered, it can quickly be identified.

Electronic items like MP3 players, cell phones, and laptops are desirable to thieves because they can get good money and they are portable. The best way to prevent theft is to make the item hard to resell. Personalize with stickers or other touches on cell phones, MP3 players and laptops. If your cell phone is stolen, immediately call your provider to stop service. Software that tracks stolen computers is an option, but often costs a pretty penny for subscription service. The S.T.O.P. security plate permanently attaches to your laptop making it identifiable to police and registration with owner information makes for an easy return if it is found. The plate is nearly impossible to remove without damaging the laptop and leaves a permanent ‘tattoo’, making it impossible to pawn. Check with your university or local police because you can often learn valuable tips or receive discounts on security features.

Most property stolen on college campuses are items left unsecured or unattended. If you have to carry valuable property with you, do not leave it anywhere. Forgetting your bag or leaving it while you run to the bathroom can end up costing you. Always lock your car and residence doors, even when you are inside (and make sure your roommate does the same). Never leave property visible in your car. Even if your doors are locked, you car is not impermeable and you are advertising to thieves who know what to look for and how to get it. The same goes for your dorm room or apartment - put expensive items away out of sight, especially when you leave. Always be vigilant when walking alone or at night and do not flash cash or expensive items in plain view.

* Make photocopies of front and back of important documents, ID cards, and credit cards for your records

* Check with your university technology office for tips and advice about online protection

* Permanently etch your name and or phone number into MP3 players, bikes and other expensive items

The copyright of the article Preventing Theft on Campus in Campus Life is owned by Ashlee D. Parker. Permission to republish Preventing Theft on Campus in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.