<DIV>Students, Faculty, and Staff,</DIV><DIV> </DIV><DIV>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><FONT face=Calibri>As we enter our Holiday season and travel plans are in the air, here are some tips that might help prevent you from becoming the victim of a theft or burglary: <o:p></o:p></FONT></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><FONT face=Calibri>1.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Don’t leave items on show ANYWHERE – Not on show in the car, not on an exposed windowsill, not in a shared kitchen, not in a room you THINK is secure.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>If it’s visible to others, it’s a temptation for thieves.<o:p></o:p></FONT></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><FONT face=Calibri>2.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Mark your belongings – Computers, iPods and expensive electrical equipment is best off marked with personal identifiers.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Do it with a marker, or with an invisible UV pen.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>You could even go as far as customizing your stuff with a personal branding or logo.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Don’t be too pretentious though! ;-)<o:p></o:p></FONT></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><FONT face=Calibri>3. Lock doors, even if you’re only going away for a few moments – People don’t always see the point in locking up unless they’re going out for a specific longer-term purpose.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>But I’ve seen people who go out and don’t come back for hours (they get caught up in something else) and I’ve heard stories where a door was left open for about two minutes while the student went to a communal area, but valuable items were stolen in that time (possibly a ‘friend’ who couldn’t resist the grab, or a visitor who spotted an opportunity…?).<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>If you’re leaving the area, keep it secure!<o:p></o:p></FONT></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><FONT face=Calibri>4. Insure your belongings – Don’t chance it.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>If you’re going to have most of your possessions with you while away at college, it would be unwise not to open an insurance policy.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Even if the worst does happen, at least you would be due a payout.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Without insurance, you’re left with absolutely nothing. <o:p></o:p></FONT></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><FONT face=Calibri>5. Don’t let people follow through in secured areas – In many secure communal areas; you will need a key to get through.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>However, it’s commonplace for people to make their way in, only to be followed by another person and let in without a thought.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>If you want to keep your belongings as safe as you can, don’t let anyone in just because they happen to be behind you.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It’s bad enough when people you don’t know are visiting others within the communal area, but at least you won’t add to the problem by blindly letting anyone in off the street.<o:p></o:p></FONT></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><FONT face=Calibri>6. Report crimes immediately – Don’t wait to report a crime.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The longer you leave it, the worse things can get for you.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Mobile phones, for instance, are not the only thing you need to worry about.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It’s the fact that thieves can start making expensive calls from the phone.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><FONT face=Calibri>These are just a few ideas.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The main thing is to be alert, take it seriously, and don’t let ease trump security.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The security of this campus is everyone’s job so help us, help you, and stay safe out there.</FONT><o:p></o:p></P></DIV><DIV> </DIV>--<BR signature="separator">
<DIV>Bryan E. Denny M.S.<br />COP Director/Criminal Justice Chair/Chief of Police<br />Eastern Oklahoma State College<br />Phone:918-465-1755 <br />Fax:918-465-4494</DIV>