Police: Common sense, precautions foil thieves

UW–Madison students, faculty and staff can help prevent burglaries and thefts over the upcoming winter break by using common sense and taking basic security precautions.

City of Madison and UW–Madison Police say thieves often target apartments, dorms and offices during break, when many members of the campus community travel home for the holidays or leave town for vacation.

“Criminals see an opportunity because they know many students are going to be out of town,” says Madison Police Department Lt. Stephanie Bradley Wilson, who is based in the central district, which includes the university. “But following basic safety tips, such as locking doors and putting valuable items out of sight, can go a long way toward deterring crime.”

“Things tend to get a little chaotic with finals and the holidays,” agrees UW–Madison Police Sgt. Kurt Feavel. “But people need to take a second, catch their breath and take a good look around to make sure everything is secure before they leave.”

Since thefts and burglaries are “crimes of opportunity,” both agree that common sense can help stop criminals. Some useful safety tips include:

• Lock apartment and office doors and windows before leaving for the holidays.
• Don’t leave attractive items out in plain sight. Burglars frequently target cash, compact discs, laptops, bikes, jewelry, video games, bikes, stereos and televisions. If possible, store them in a locked drawer, closet or interior room. Or, try to take small valuables with when you leave.
• Draw curtains and shades and set a timer for lamps.
• Temporarily stop mail and newspaper delivery.
• Let a landlord, property owner or co-worker know how long you’re going to be gone and how you can be reached in the event of a problem.
• Record serial numbers for expensive items, such as VCRs and bikes. Property can be be engraved with a drivers license number. Engravers can be checked out from the Madison Public Library, including the downtown location and some branches. People are far more likely to recover stolen property if items are engraved.
• If you own a scooter, remember that it cannot be stored inside a university residence hall. Make sure to use an external locking device around a tire to prevent theft.
• To help reduce the risk of accidental fire, make sure to unplug large electrical appliances, including computers, stereos and microwaves.

If you have security questions, call the Madison Police crime prevention specialist, (608) 266-4238, or Feavel of UW–Madison Police, (608) 262-4520.

If you see suspicious activity, call Madison police dispatch, (608) 255-2345. To report a theft on campus, call UW–Madison Police at (608) 262-2957. In an emergency only, call 911.

For more safety information, see: Madison Police Department or UW-Madison Police