September is National Campus Safety Awareness Month, and The University of Alabama is reminding students, faculty and staff that theft prevention starts with awareness and action.
Each semester, the University of Alabama Police Department responds to numerous reports of stolen items — most commonly electronics, bikes, scooters, clothes and other personal belongings. These incidents often occur in unlocked rooms in residence halls, unattended study areas, and unlocked vehicles where valuables are left in plain sight.
Theft is typically a crime of opportunity, which means small changes in behavior can make a big difference. UAPD recommends the following tips to help protect yourself and your property:
- Lock your doors. Even if you’re stepping away from your room or office for just a few minutes, lock your door. If you live in a suite-style residence hall, always lock your bedroom door, and have a discussion with your roommates about always locking the door to the suite. Make sure to always lock your car when you park.
- Never leave valuables unattended in public spaces like libraries, dining halls or classrooms.
- Take your laundry from laundry rooms in residence halls as soon as it is finished.
- Use a sturdy lock for bikes and scooters. Use a U-lock to secure your bike’s frame to a rack whenever possible. If your bike has quick-release wheels, try to lock the frame, wheel and rack together. For extra security, use a second lock or cable to secure other parts. If your seat has a quick-release, consider taking it with you.
- Register your bicycle. Students, faculty and staff who use a bicycle on campus are required to register the bicycle with Parking Services. Registering your bike can help law enforcement identify it and return it if it is stolen.
- Keep valuables out of sight in vehicles. Never leave backpacks, wallets, computers, tablets or anything of value just sitting where someone can see them —store them in the trunk or take them with you.
- Mark electronics and other valuables. Use a permanent marker to mark your computers, televisions, gaming consoles and other electronics in a place and way that only you know. If your items are stolen, these markings will help make it easier for police to identify and return your items if found.
If you become the victim of a theft on campus, report it to UAPD as soon as possible by calling 205-348-5454.
Campus safety is a shared responsibility. By staying alert and taking proactive steps, we can all help reduce theft and keep our campus secure.
For more safety tips and resources, visit the Safer Living Guide or follow @UA_Safety on social media.