Laptop Stolen

From University Communications

UTC Police are investigating a report of a burglary of an unoccupied, on-campus residence. The burglary in which a laptop computer was taken was reported to have occurred in Stophel Apartments between Monday evening and Tuesday evening.

Call UTC Police at 423-425-4357 if you have any information about this crime.

Burglary and Theft Safety Tips

According to the FBI, theft is the most common crime for personal gain. Almost anything can be stolen from a campus environment. In addition to unauthorized persons, the perpetrators of theft can be students, employees and visitors. The reasons that items are stolen may vary but most thefts occur because of opportunity and the willingness of an individual to commit a crime. We cannot change a person’s criminal conduct; however, we can lessen the opportunity for theft to occur and make property more difficult to steal.

Here are a few simple rules to protect property on campus:

1. Personal property should never be left unattended. The most common targets of theft on a campus are small items such as laptop computers, cell phones, wallets and pocketbooks. These articles should be kept secured at all times.
2. Keep track of key fobs, swipe cards and keys in your possession, storing them in a secure place and not handing them out to unauthorized persons.
3. In parking lots, valuables should be locked in the trunk of your car and not left in plain view.
4. Keep a detailed inventory of valuable possessions, including a description of the items, date of purchase and original value, and serial numbers, and keep a copy in a safe place. Make a photographic or video record of valuable objects. Your insurance company can provide assistance in making and keeping your inventory.
5. Mark your valuables with your driver’s license number with an engraver or marking pens. Marked items are harder for a burglar to dispose of and easier for police to recover.
6. Lock your room, apartment, and/or office door. 

Report any suspicious activity immediately to UTCPD at 423-425-4357 or call 911. 

Theft is most often a crime of opportunity. Following these few simple steps can limit that opportunity, it can make a world of difference on campus. Stay safe!