Lock valuables to prevent theft
By Doug Abraham
UCD Chief of Police
The Aurora Police Department recently reported that they have seen an increase in thefts of credit cards from purses at individual workstations.
The thieves enter a work space by following employees as they enter. Once in a work area, they find unattended workstations and locate purses. These purses are usually kept in desk drawers or filing cabinets that are not locked.
They remove only one or two credit cards, returning the purse to its original location. The victim therefore does not realize the loss until the next time they are looking for that credit card. By then, it is too late.
Keep these simple tips in mind to avoid being a victim of theft:
• Do not let unbadged individuals follow you into a work space or frequent a work space. Ask them if you can be of assistance. Thieves like anonymity. Just acknowledging their presence is typically enough for them to go elsewhere.
• Theives know that purses are stowed in filing cabinets and desks. Lock your storage area or find somewhere else more secure.
• Secure backpacks. Leaving them in visible areas unattended is an invitation for a theft. Think about the vulnerability when in the library or work space.
• Report suspicious individuals immediately to the University Police. Dial 911 from any Fitzsimons or Ninth Ave. campus phone, extension 4-4444 from the Lawrence Street Center at 1380 Lawrence Street across from the Auraria Campus, or 303-724-4444 from a cell phone.
There has not been an increase in thefts on the UCD campuses. Help to keep them safe.
It takes 10 seconds to commit a theft. It will take you hours to replace credit cards, driver’s licenses, etc.
If you have questions on how to make your work space safer or personal safety, contact Community Resource Officer Lynn Whitten at extension 4-0739.
