Public Safety...Office Security Tips

Theft of unattended property, both personal and that owned by the college, from campus offices is a common crime experienced at all colleges and businesses. Thefts occur during normal business hours when access is often the easiest, and employees are the least expectant. Thefts also occur after hours when they may be broken into or entered without authorization. Taking just a few prevention tips to heart can help prevent theft for all of us. Fortunately, our theft is very low when compared to adjacent neighborhoods, and we want to keep it that way, and reduce it further with your assistance. Please feel free to call your CSCC Dept. of Public Safety whenever we can serve, at ext. 2525.

• Maintain good key and access control.
• Arrange office space so unescorted visitors can be easily noticed.
• Make regular announcements in your department of security breaches that happened due to poor security awareness.
• Don't leave valuables unsecured on counter tops.
• Mark valuables with invisible ink. CSCC Dept of Public Safety can assist you, if requested.
• Don't leave cash drawers unlocked or within reach of customers at the counter.
• Don't leave valuables on counter tops unattended.
• Don't leave valuables unsecured in a lobby, even for a few moments.
• If you see someone in your area you are not familiar with, ask "May I help you?"  You may help someone who is lost or you may scare a potential thief away.
• If you bring personal items to the office, keep a record of your belongings, and mark them.
• Lock your purse in a cabinet or drawer.  Placing it in an unlocked drawer is one of the least secure things you can do, because it's one of the first places a thief will look.
• Never allow strangers alone in your office.  Beware of the "office creepers" looking for valuables.
• Never allow anyone to remove equipment without checking first.
• When you leave your office, check that all doors and files are locked.  Leave nothing of value or sensitive information in plain view. (Good advice for your personal vehicles too)
• When returning borrowed items, never leave them in the hallway if the owner isn't in her/his office and the door is locked.
• Don't leave deliveries or supplies in the hallway for extended periods of time or overnight.
• Report suspicious people, objects, or people to the CSCC Dept. of Public Safety immediately, at ext. 2525.