By JACK ARMSTRONG News Editor
The campus community at Western has been experiencing a recent rise in reported thefts.
The Public Safety Office issued a campus-wide email earlier in the week detailing some basic measures that students can take to ensure that they are not the victims of theft. Students should always try to keep belongings on their person at all times; items like backpacks, purses, phones, and gym bags are easy targets when left unattended.
Both students and faculty with assigned offices are encouraged to close and lock the door while not in the office; even stepping out for a minute can be enough time for a potential thief to snatch belongings.
Drivers are asked to make sure that car doors are locked when parking for the day, and always leave any valuables in the trunk or out of site so they are not catching the eyes of a passerby.
One of the biggest issues on campus in recent terms has been the increased theft of bicycles. Public Safety recommends that riders should purchase a U-Lock like a Kryptonite if possible, as these types of locks are much more difficult for thieves to remove. Remember to always lock both the front wheel and the frame to the structure to avoid a thief simply removing the front wheel and taking the frame.
If students must leave belongings somewhere, Public Safety suggests looking into renting a locker. There are many buildings across campus that have lockers available for rent to students. The Health and Wellness Center has both term and day use lockers available for gym goers looking to keep their items safe during workouts. Day use lockers in HWC are secured with personal locks supplied by the student.
The most important tool in theft prevention, however, is common sense.
If students must stand up from a table or leave belongings in a class room momentarily, it is suggested that they ask peers to keep watch. When leaving bags and backpacks at the bookstore entrance, keep as much reasonable eye contact with them as possible, and as always, students are asked to report any
suspicious activity to Campus Safety or the Police
