Theft is a crime of opportunity and is the most common crime on campus.

Theft Prevention Tips

The best means of prevention is to reduce or remove the opportunity.

  • Whenever you leave your office, laboratory residence hall room lock the door and all windows.
  • Never loan your keys or ID card to anyone.
  • When storing a purse or backpack in an office, put it in a file cabinet or drawer and lock it.
  • Do not leave backpacks, purses, or briefcases unattended in public places, especially in the library or in computer labs.
  • Record serial numbers and descriptions of your valuables.
  • Do not keep large sums of money, jewelry, or valuable items in your room.
  • Take your valuables home when you leave on vacation.
  • Do not leave messages on your door indicating that you won’t be back for a period of time.
  • Do not leave your room unlocked while you are sleeping or when you leave your room, even if it’s “just for a minute”.
  • Sales people are not allowed to solicit on campus. If a salesperson comes to your residence, call Campus Safety and Police immediately.
  • If strangers who look suspicious are in your residence, call Campus Safety and Police. We want to verify whether these individuals should be on campus.
  • Identify your valuable using Operation ID.
    Campus Safety and Police offers a way to engrave a provided serial number onto your valuables. The serial numbers are then recorded and used in the event of theft. Then be sure to keep your copy in a safe place.
  • Engraving pens may be checked out from the Campus Safety and Police Office at no charge.
  • Register your bicycle with Campus Safety & Police.
    We will issue a registration sticker to affix to your bicycle to deter theft and aid in recovery if it is stolen. University Police strongly recommends a U-style lock. A registered and properly locked bicycle is much less likely to be stolen. Bicycle registration is fast and free. Register your Bicycle.