Protecting Personal Property

1. One of the best rules for protecting personal property is:  lock it up or run the risk of losing it.

• Valuable items: Jewelry, family heirlooms and your good luck souvenir should be kept in a secure place under lock and key.  Victims of theft deal not only with the loss of their property but, oftentimes, the frustration of not being able to replace items of personal value.  If you value it, lock it up.
• Doors: The best defense against theft or vandalism is a locked door.  Justice Department surveys indicate that of those serving time for property crimes the majority looked for the easy target.  Keys under the mat or in the flower pot, doors propped open (even for just a few minutes) and open windows serve as an invitation to those looking for an easy target.  Report any door or window that is not working properly for immediate repair or replacement.
• Bicycles: Please insure that your bicycle is registered through our Public Safety Office.  If you are unsure about the type of lock necessary to secure your bicycle properly, a Public Safety representative will be happy to discuss the available options.
• Automobiles: Keep all items locked in the trunk or out of sight.  Doors should be locked at all times.

2. Engrave all items such as stereo and computer equipment.  Tracing and recovery of stolen property is more likely if items are engraved.  Engraving service is available through our Campus Police Office.

3. Don't leave personal items such as bookbags, jackets or keys unattended while in the computer lab, library, study hall, gym, etc.  Tracing and recovery of the above listed items is extremely difficult because these locations are high traffic areas.

4. Always keep your cash, checkbook, credit cards, bank statements, PIN number, and that completed application for a new credit card out of sight in a secure spot.

5. When leaving for the holidays or an emergency, store valuables in our security storage area.  Items to be stored must be engraved.  Valuables such as jewelry should be taken with you or placed in a safety deposit box at your bank.

6. Make an itemized list of all personal property.  Write down serial numbers and a brief description of each article.  The list is extremely helpful to law enforcement officials if you become the victim of theft or burglary.

7. Report lost or stolen articles immediately.  The campus Lost/Found Department is located at our Campus Police Office.

8. Never enter your room/apartment if you suspect possible theft/burglary.  Don't run the risk of entering while the intruder is still present.  Contact the proper jurisdiction immediately and wait until law enforcement arrives.  Valuable information can be destroyed if the crime scene is disrupted.

9. If you witness a crime of theft or burglary, please call the proper jurisdiction immediately (on campus: 843.953.5611; off campus: 911).  Your help is invaluable both to the victim and law enforcement.