Protect Your Property

Property theft is one of the most common crimes reported on campus. It is also the hardest to solve, so it is important to prevent theft before it occurs.

Always lock your room and car doors, even if you will be gone “just for a minute.” The minute you’re away could be the minute a thief decides to target you.

Never leave your backpack or purse unattended. While this is true on or off campus, the campus environment presents a particular threat. Thieves look for easy opportunities, and it is easy to sell stolen textbooks, especially at the end of the semester.

Invest in a good bicycle lock. A good bicycle lock, properly used, is the best way to keep your bicycle from being stolen.

Have your valuables engraved and registered with UT Police Department through “Operation Identification.” UTPD will engrave an identification number on your valuable property for free. They can do this on your television, laptop, etc. It makes your property easier to track, and it may deter a thief from taking the object.

If traveling with valuables, keep them locked in the trunk of your car, out of sight. Most thefts from automobiles occur after a criminal sees something interesting sitting in the car.

Document your valuables. In the event you are robbed, it is important that you be able to assess quickly what has been taken from you. Take photographs of your valuables and your car. Make copies of your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), registration, and license plate number.

Never store spare keys where someone else could get to them. Hiding keys “under the mat” or using a magnetic box to hide them is like handing your keys to a thief. Keep spare keys secured at home or on your person.