How to Protect Your Property

Members of the College community are vulnerable to the same problems encountered by residents of any major metropolitan area. DPS mission is to protect the College community by patrolling the campuses and surrounding areas; however the opportunity for crime still exists and the College community can still be victimized by criminal acts.

Each person of the College community can assist the DPS in its effort to apprehend criminals by utilizing preventive measures to reduce the opportunity for criminal acts and by taking the following precautions:

• The campus is well lighted, but it is wise to employ the "buddy system" when walking to your car at night or traveling to other points in the area.
• Personal property, purses, brief cases, etc., should never be left unattended. Take such items with you if you are leaving the office, classroom, or library study area for any length of time.
• Try not to carry large amounts of cash on your person, or display large amounts of money.
• Make a record of the serial numbers of both college and personal property in your office.
• A record of your personal credit cards should also be maintained.
• When leaving your office or room for the day, make sure:
  • All windows are closed and locked.
  • All valuable items are removed from the top of desks (radios, clocks, pens, etc.).
  • All desks and files are locked.
  • All doors are closed and locked.
• Never loan equipment or keys to strangers.
• Require identification and authorization from any "repair person" wanting to remove a computer or other office equipment from the room.
• Notify your supervisor or the Department of Public Safety of any suspicious person.
• Keep your auto locked. Never leave the keys in the ignition, and avoid leaving property where it is visible on the seats; store it in the trunk instead.