Property related crime accounts for the vast majority of crime reported
to the
CU Police Department. Please help us protect your property and reduce
property crime on campus by following the 10 tips listed below. For more
information visit: http://www.stopcucrime.com/
.
Top 10 Property Crime Prevention Tips
1. Never Leave Items of Value Unattended.
Wallets, cell phones, backpacks, calculators, and laptop computers left
alone
in a public area make up a significant amount of campus theft. Always secure
belongings or take them with you.
2. Always Lock Your Door (Even when you
are inside).
Most of each year's 130 burglaries involve entry through unlocked or open
doors
or windows, some into occupied rooms or offices. Close and lock doors
and
secure windows when you leave. Also keep doors locked and windows secure
when
you are in your office or residence, especially at night, to avoid having
an
intruder enter.
3. Never Prop Open Exterior Building Doors.
Propping open building doors creates a perfect opportunity for criminals
to
enter offices, computer labs, dorm rooms, etc., undetected. Often buildings
are occupied, even though the building is closed to the public and
locked. Any
passerby can enter through the propped door, sometimes creating a risk
to the
building occupants.
4. Never Publish Personal Data Online.
Be aware that anything published on the Internet becomes a de facto public
record, including Social Security numbers, phone numbers, addresses,
bank accounts, and photos. This information can then be used in committing
the crimes of fraud, theft, harassment, or assault. Do not post your personal
information online, or accept unsolicited e-mails requesting personal
information.
5. Immediately Report Anyone Trying Door Handles or Entering
Room.
A significant amount of theft occurs when criminals enter unlocked
doors. The
criminal may walk the halls of buildings, including residence halls,
trying
door handles, or enter an occupied room, then claim to have the wrong
room.
Both of these are not normal activity. Call the police right away if
you
witness someone trying door handles or a stranger entering your room
uninvited.
Protect yourself and others around you by reporting this activity.
6. Immediately
Report Unauthorized Solicitors.
Unauthorized soliciting is prohibited and presents a threat to the campus
community. The solicitors rarely have the product with them and want cash
or a
check made out to them, not their company. To avoid being the victim
of fraudulent sales pitches, say you are not interested, close the door,
and call
the police immediately.
7. Register Laptop Computer with Police.
The theft of laptop computers is a growing problem for the campus, as
they are
easy to take and to resell. Upon registration, the police will record
identifying information about the computer and place a very visible
registration sticker on it. You also may engrave personal info on it,
if you
wish. These steps deter thieves and increase chances of recovering a
stolen laptop. Laptop registration can be done at the following locations:
- CU Police Department lobby reception desk
- CU bike station east of UMC
- Boulder Police Department Annexes at 1310 College #330 or 1500 Pearl
St., #E (on 16th Street between Pearl and Walnut)
8. Register Bicycle with Parking
Services.
Bicycles are the most frequently stolen item on campus. Bikes are required
to
be registered on campus. The registration sticker can deter potential
thieves
and increase the potential for recovering a stolen bike. Register at
the CU
Bike Station east of the UMC.
9. Properly Secure Bike with Adequate Lock.
Many bike thefts occur when a bike is unlocked or inadequately secured.
To
deter theft, use only quality locks, securing the frame and front tire
to the
bike race. Lock the bike in a visible area, and do not leave it locked
on
public racks for long periods of time.
10. Immediately Report any Other Suspicious
Activity.
Suspicious activity often indicates that the person is about to commit
a crime.
Reporting activity such as persons trying door handles, soliciting products,
looking into car windows, loitering around dark areas, continuously walking
up
and down dorm halls, stopping you to ask uncomfortable personal questions,
loitering or kneeling in bike racks, trying to conceal bolt cutters,
screwdrivers, slim jims, etc, or attempting to follow you into a locked
door.
Also report any activity that seems out of place or makes you feel
uncomfortable.
