Keeping Property Safe and Secure
The police departments for the university and for the city of Madison in late November reminded students about steps they can take to stay safe and protect their property in response to a string of burglaries, largely in off-campus student housing.
The burglaries in nearly every case involved intruders targeting laptop computers or other electronics. Police have increased patrols and crime-prevention efforts, and have encouraged students — both on and off campus — to keep these safety tips in mind. (For a related message about safety, see “From Fathers to Sons” in this issue.)
- Burglars frequently target cash, compact discs, laptops, bikes, jewelry, video games, bikes, stereos, and televisions. Don’t leave attractive items out in plain sight at home; if possible, store them in a locked drawer, closet, or interior room. Take small valuables with when you leave. And don’t leave your valuables unattended in public.
- Record serial numbers for expensive items. Property can be also be engraved with a driver’s license number; you may check out an engraver at the central library branch. Victims are far more likely to recover stolen property if items are engraved.
- Back up your digital information often.
- Monitor property crime in your area by visiting the City of Madison’s CrimeReports.com.
- Call 911 to report any suspicious behavior in your neighborhood.
Special Safety Tips for Winter Break
If your student plans to be gone from campus during
winter break, make sure he or she is protecting property
and valuables. To prevent theft and other dangers,
share these winter break safety tips with your student.
- Lock doors and windows before leaving for the holidays.
- Keep some exterior lights on at night, draw curtains and shades, and set a timer for lamps.
- Temporarily stop delivery of mail and newspapers.
- Let a landlord, property owner, or coworker know how long you’ll be gone and how you can be reached in the event of a problem.
- If you own a scooter, remember that it cannot be stored inside a university residence hall. Make sure to use an external locking device around a tire to prevent theft.
- To help prevent an accidental fire, unplug large electrical appliances, including computers, stereos, and microwaves.