Personal Property & Vehicles
Never leave personal property unattended where it may become an easy target of thieves. Always keep personal property out of view and if possible, in a locked container. This is especially true of property relating to automobiles. It is very easy for thieves to break into a motor vehicle parked in a garage and steal items from inside, all in a matter of minutes. To reduce the changes of this happening to you follow the easy steps listed below:
- Always lock your vehicle when leaving it unattended.
- Make sure all of your windows are completely rolled up.
- Never leave valuables such as cash, jewelry, or cell phones in plain sight within your vehicle; this is only giving thieves incentive to break into your vehicle and steal these items.
- If you own a GPS or other portable navigation device, remove it from your windshield and place it out of view!
- This includes the tell-tale signs that you own such a device (and that one is likely located in your vehicle) such as mounting brackets, suction cups, or power cords.
- If your GPS unit uses a suction cup type mount you should also remove the ring of dirt left behind by the cup.
- Failure to do so, even if you remove the GPS itself, is still indication to thieves that such a device is likely located somewhere within your vehicle, and will increase the chances of your vehicle becoming a target.
- It is handy to keep glass or multi-purpose cleaner type wipes in your vehicle for this purpose.
- GPS units are very popular among thieves as they are quick & easy to steal, conceal, and sell on the streets for a profit.
- If you must leave property unattended in your vehicle, keep it out of sight such as in the locked trunk or other storage compartment area of your vehicle.
- When possible, park close to the nearest exit such as a stairwell or elevator, and always park in well lit areas of a garage.
If at any time you feel unsafe, or see a suspicious person in or around a vehicle or wandering a parking garage,
report it to the Public Safety Department immediately!
Officers can be dispatched to check out the area and if requested provide you with an escort to your destination on campus.
