As returning students move back to campus for the academic year, remember to thoroughly inspect all areas of your residence, especially if you are returning to the same residence from last year and left belongings there over the summer.
Recent trends show that criminals target residences occupied by students during extended University breaks because they know you likely were not home.
The WVU Police Department has provided the following checklist to identify any possibility of theft while you were away as well as steps to take to help prevent theft this year:
- Inspect all areas of your residence, including bedrooms, bathrooms, common living areas, storage spaces, doors, windows, attics, crawlspaces, porches, etc. Ensure all items are located and accounted for.
- Inspect the exterior of your residence for vandalism, tampering or any suspicious activity.
- Check all door and window locks to ensure they function correctly and properly secure your residence. If they do not lock correctly, contact the appropriate maintenance personnel.
- Keep doors and windows locked at all times, even when you are home. Do not prop doors open. When you leave your residence, close and lock all doors and windows, even if you are only leaving for a few minutes.
- If you are home alone, close blinds or pull curtains shut after dark.
- Do not leave valuable items in plain sight.
- When you will be away from your residence for an extended period of time, consider putting lights on a timer to create the illusion that you are home.
- Consider placing a wireless home security camera on your property or inside your residence when you are not present. For vehicles, you may also consider utilizing factory anti-theft devices/programs or purchasing a steering wheel lock, GPS tracker or dash camera.
- Do not leave spare keys in places accessible to others.
- Create an updated list of serial numbers for valuable items, such as bicycles, electronics, air conditioning units, handheld tools, etc. In case of theft, these serial numbers will help police locate your item and return it to you. You can utilize ReportIt to securely store serial numbers.
- If you identify any incidents of theft or suspicious activity, call 911 to be connected with the appropriate law enforcement agency. You may also contact the MECCA non-emergency line at 304-599-6382.
Download the LiveSafe app and turn on push notifications for direct and discreet two-way communication with police. To receive alerts about emergencies and incidents on or near campus, register for the WVU Alert system.