Like it • Lock it • Keep it!
Don’t become one of this year’s statistics! If you leave your room—even for a minute—lock your door to protect your belongings.
You are visiting this web site most likely because you received a Post-It note indicating that your door was found unlocked.
Below you will find useful tips that will aid you in securing your valuables.
Analysis of data pertaining to larcenies from office and dorm rooms shows that most items are stolen from locations that are left unsecured.
Residence Hall Safety Tips
• Lock your doors at all times even when you are just going next door to visit a friend or to the restroom.
• Most thefts are crimes of opportunity and occur within minutes. Unlocked doors are favorite targets.
• Remember that residence halls are restricted to the students who live there and their guests. Don’t allow strangers to enter behind you.
• Never give your roommate’s personal information to a stranger.
• Lock your doors while you are inside for personal safety. Be aware of who is at your door. Use your peep hole if you have one to observe the person at your door. If you don’t recognize them, do not open the door. Request that they leave any information they have at your door, so you may retrieve it when you feel safe.
• Do not tamper with your door locking mechanisms. Never use any object(s) to prevent your door from closing and/or locking (e.g. trash cans or tape to keep the door from locking).
• Never leave entry/exit doors propped open, which could allow an unauthorized person to gain entry into your hall or dorm room.
• Report lost or stolen resident hall keys immediately.
• Avoid leaving messages on your door advertising your departure or arrival times to alert thieves of your absence. Also consider removing your name if it is posted on your door.
• Report all suspicious people and/or activity to UMPD @ (413) 545-2121.
Secure Your Laptop
Secure your laptop with a security cable to a desk. We have not had a reported theft of a laptop with a security cable attached.
• Never leave your laptop unattended, even for a moment.
• Be certain to back up all important data daily. Remember the hardest thing to replace when a laptop is stolen is the data.
• Protect your data and access to your computer with strong passwords.
• Don’t leave a classroom or lecture hall without your laptop. Take it with you, or it may not be there when you return.
• Consider installing a theft recovery tracking device on your PC. If it is lost or stolen you have a greater chance of recovery. Such as Laptop Lo-jack, LocateMyLaptop, GadgeTrak, Laptop Cop, etc...
• Other anti-theft devices can be purchased at the University Store or any local computer store.
See Something? Say Something.
Contact the UMPD Community Outreach Officer at 413-545-9461 or pspmail@admin.umass.edu for more information or assistance.
