[Cp-bulletin] Informational Bulletin

[Sgt. Cheryl Vossmer]

*Informational Bulletin*

Issued: November 24, 2009
         
           Please be advised that between October 1 and November 23, 
2009 there have been 30 reports of laptops, a desktop, computer 
monitors, I-phones, cell phones, and projectors stolen. The arrest of 
one individual in the dormitory has brought that flurry of theft to a 
close.  Many of these thefts are stolen from offices, dorms and 
fraternity rooms, many of which were unlocked and unattended, but not in 
all cases. In some instances the offices have been entered without signs 
of forced entry and the computers, cameras, or I-phones were left on the 
desks. Additionally, there have been 12 reports of cash or wallets 
stolen. Only one of the stolen laptop computers were registered with the 
STOP program, one laptop and two monitors had cable locks which were 
forcible removed. There have also been 14 bikes reported stolen.

           It appears that the majority of these incidents are occurring 
between midnight and 7:30 a.m., and wallets being left unattended being 
stolen during the daytime.

The MIT Police Crime Prevention and Community Policing Unit recommends 
the following:

v      Never leave property unattended even for a brief moment. Keep 
valuable items such as laptops, cameras, cell phones and cash locked up. 
Don't assume that a locked office door is sufficient. Many of the stolen 
items were left on desk tops.

v      Always keep a back-up of your computer files but keep the backup 
copy in a separate and secure place.

v      Immediately call the MIT Police to report suspicious people or 
activity. Dial 100 from any Institute telephone or x3-1212. Notifying 
the MIT Police in a timely fashion is of utmost importance to the 
possible apprehension of a suspect or to alert us to the scene of a 
crime. /See Something Say Something!/

v                  With many wallets and credit cards being stolen the 
issue of Identity Theft is something to be aware of. Please see the 
Federal Trade Commission web site 
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/. //

As you leave for this long holiday weekend please be sure that you 
double lock everything. If you are around and notice any suspicious 
activity, please call the MIT Police at 3-1212 or 100 immediately.


Sgt. Cheryl Vossmer
MIT Police
617-253-1212