Criminal Activity

Personal Property Thefts

Theft of personal property, such as purses, wallets, backpacks, and laptops can be a serious problem. Thieves can be in and out of your workspace or classroom in just minutes and know just where to look. They may try to access your space by asking to use a restroom or asking for directions to a specific location or could even be a co-worker.

  • Never leave your personal property unattended, even for a moment.
  • Lock your personal property somewhere secure, such as a locker, desk drawer or file cabinet, if you cannot take it with you.
  • Lock your office door every time you leave the office unattended.
  • Do not bring more cash to work than you need for the day.
  • If you need to carry credit cards, make sure you inventory them, listing card numbers and phone numbers to call in the event of their theft. (Suggestion: on one sheet of paper make a photocopy of your driver’s license, blank check, and all credit cards.) Keep this list or photocopy in a safe place.
  • Be alert to anyone who tries to get you to leave your desk for errands. Some thieves pose as students or employees and try to get you to go to another room for a copy, and so on. Do not leave your desk unattended.
  • Be alert to all people in your space.
  • If a theft occurs, immediately report the crime to Public Safety at 612-381-3328. Immediately call your credit card companies and bank to report the theft, if need be. Extreme amounts of financial charges can be placed against your accounts within minutes of a credit card theft. If you have been a victim of a crime, support is available 24/7. Contact the Minnesota Crime Victim Helpline by calling 1-866-385-2699 or texting 612-399-9977.

Preventing Auto Theft/Theft from Vehicles

  • Lock your car doors and close your windows.
  • Do not leave valuables in your car. If you do, make sure they are kept out of plain sight — hide them under a blanket, or better yet, lock them in your trunk.
  • When transporting valuables, place them in the trunk before you get to where you intend to park. Do not transfer them at the parking lot in open view of other people.
  • Mark property with an operation identification number. If the stolen item is found later, the number can be traced back to you. Please reference your local community law enforcement to enroll in an operation identification program.
  • Remember: briefcases, sunglasses, keys, gym bags, and small change are all tempting to a thief.
  • Keep your license and registration with you. If left in the car, the documents can be used to impersonate you when transferring the car’s ownership.
  • There are locks made for various parts of cars. Battery locks, wheel locks, and other lock mounts can save these items plus any damage that may occur in the process of stealing them.
  • Install a locking gas tank cap to help prevent gasoline theft and limit driving range to one tank.
  • Park with the front wheel turned sharply to the right or left, making it difficult for the professional thief to tow your car away backwards.
  • With front wheel drive cars: when you park, pull on the emergency brake and place your vehicle in Park. If you have a stick shift, pull on the emergency brake and shift into forward or reverse gear. All four wheels will be locked, making it difficult for a thief to tow your car.
  • Call Public Safety at 612-381-3328 as soon you realize a theft has occurred.

 

Personal Safety in Parking Lots

Before you park:

  • Put valuables and packages in the trunk or out of sight before you arrive at your destination.
  • Drive with your car doors locked and windows closed.
  • Keep your personal property such as wallet, purse, backpack, or laptop out of view while driving. Do not leave them next to you on the seat.
  • Look for well-lit areas to park your vehicle. This increases the chance of vandals or thieves being seen.

After you park:

  • Do not get out of your vehicle if you see someone lurking nearby.
  • Do not leave any valuables where they can be seen from outside the car.
  • While walking to your destination display a confident and positive attitude.
  • If someone tries to break into your car, honk the horn repeatedly.

When returning to your car:

  • If possible, return to your car with an escort or in a group.
  • Have your car door key in hand.
  • Look around and inside your car before you unlock the door and get in.
  • Once inside the car, lock your door and start your engine. Start moving the car as soon as possible after you have become situated.
  • If you are being followed while driving, go to the closest police or fire station and honk the horn, or drive to an open business or gas station where you can safely call the police. Do not drive home or pull over to the side of the street.
  • Return to an area of safety if you see anyone suspicious near your vehicle.