Emory Research Administration News

8 Tips for Avoiding On-Campus Thefts

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by

Demetrice S. Bryant
in ,
by Sgt. Rick Allen, Emory Crime Prevention Unit, Campus Services
fallen@emory.edu
Persons commonly referred to as “office creepers” (OCs) target campuses as a source of expensive electronic items. OCs are looking for laptops, cell phones, and backpacks left unattended in offices, labs, libraries, coffee shops, and dining areas.
Thief stealing a laptop computer

4 Tips for Avoiding OC Thefts:

  1. OCs often come to campus to steal laptops and cell phones, especially Apple products. To a lesser extent, thieves are targeting purses, wallets and credit cards. If they are successful, they often continue to return to campus.
  2. Suspects are young enough to pass for average college students.
  3. The thefts tend to occur in areas that are unattended or where the occupants are focused on their lab work and are not aware that a stranger has wandered into the lab.
  4. Thefts are often deterred by staff asking them if they need assistance or directions. If the person does not have a legitimate reason to be in the building, they tend to come up with an excuse that does not quite make sense, which makes them feel conspicuous, and results in the person leaving the premises.
In addition to OC Thefts, thefts can sometimes be attributed to “internal thieves” (ITs). ITs may be contractors or vendors that have been given temporary permissions to access our buildings.

4 Tips for Avoiding IT Thefts:

  1. ITs often come to campus as temporary employees of Emory.
  2. The thefts also tend to occur in areas that are unattended or where the occupants are focused on their lab work and are not aware of their surroundings.
  3. Thefts are often deterred by escorting contractors or vendors in and out of buildings and labs.
  4. Thefts may also be deterred by never allowing others to access a building with your badge.
If a person has no business in an area, report the incident to Emory police at 404-727-6111.

Comments

2 responses to “8 Tips for Avoiding On-Campus Thefts”

  1. Nayem Mahmud

    In addition to OC Thefts, thefts can sometimes be attributed to “internal thieves” (ITs). ITs may be contractors or vendors that have been given temporary permissions to access our buildings.

  2. SiemReap

    There’re a few more tips I think its should be on the list as well to prevent thefts on Campus

    1. Leave valuables at home. Keep expensive items—especially those with nostalgic value that you can’t replace—at home.

    2. Take inventory. Take pictures and create a list of what you’re taking with you to school, having a checklist will help you remember what your friends might be holding on to at the end of the year.

    3. Don’t leave items unattended. Studious young adults will spend plenty of time in the school’s library, for example, and might be tempted to leave their belongings unattended at times.

    4. Keep financial documents in a safe place. Credit-card statements, phone bills—anything that has your account number, Social Security number or date of birth on it—should be kept in a safe place, such as a locked drawer. Better yet, cancel your paper statements and get them electronically instead, which will make it harder for people to get at.

    5. Watch your financial statements. Make sure you’re watching statements for any suspicious activity. It’s important to report fraudulent activity as soon as possible.

    6. Be careful about online information. What you put on social-media websites can be used against you. If someone has your name, address and birthday, they might be able to call and obtain information on a financial account of yours.

    7. Use caution when working on public computers. Don’t access personal accounts on a public computer. “Basically, whatever you type into a public computer you should consider it accessible to the next person.

    Hope this might help to decrease the theft opportunity.

    Good luck.

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