Protecting your personal property

Theft is the most common crime on campus. The best means of prevention is to reduce or remove the opportunity for potential criminals.

Whenever you leave your residence, office or laboratory, lock the door and close all windows
When storing a valuable item or a purse or a wallet, lock it in a filing cabinet or cupboard
Do not leave bags unsupervised in open public areas especially in cafeterias and the library
Keep your cell phone on you at all times (preferably out of sight) as these are highly desirable and sought after by criminals
Keep a record of serial numbers and descriptions of your valuables
Never leave items on display, i.e. jackets and valuables inside your car
Invest in car gear-locks or steering wheel locks and anti-theft wheel nuts
Do not leave house keys hidden in an expected area such as under a doormat etc.
Know your neighbours – they can keep an eye on your rooms/digs when you are not there
Do not leave any messages on your door to indicate that you will be away for any length of time
Do not keep large sums of money inside your room
Take your valuables with you when you go on holiday

Return to the Campus Protection Unit front page or go to the Rhodes University ESTATES front page.