By Richard Gregory
Director, District Public Safety
Thefts from vehicles are a major problem in most large parking lots. A parking lot provides the thief with a variety of opportunities to steal stereo equipment, laptop computers, wallets, purses, textbooks and even loose change on the console. The thieves quickly walk through the lots, looking for valuables. They often work in pairs or groups. One may act as a mobile “lookout” while another identifies targets, breaks in and takes the valuables. The values stolen are sometimes worth less than the cost to repair damage to the vehicle. Campus insurance does not cover your loss or vehicle damage. Your vehicle insurance will not cover losses that are specific exemptions in your policy, and sometimes items such as tapes, CD’s, DVD’s and personal property are not covered.
The two major keys to preventing this crime are “lock you vehicle” and “hide or remove your valuables.” Not leaving valuables in your vehicle is the best defense. Keep in mind that thieves look for the suction cup marks on your window or power cords that may be evidence that an electronic device is in the glove box or under the seat. Of course, never leave a purse or brief case in site. Even if your laptop is not in the case that is left in your vehicle, your vehicle may be damaged by an attempted theft.
In 2006, we had one vehicle stolen and ten thefts from vehicles at North Harris College. This semester we (students, staff, faculty and our police) have done a great job of preventing this crime. In the first four months of 2007, we had one vehicle stolen and only one theft from a vehicle. So, the police will keep watching, and if everyone hides valuables, locks vehicles and reports suspicious people in our parking lots we can prevent being victimized by these thieves. People walking through lots, especially those not carrying books or bags, looking into vehicles and not walking toward a specific vehicle or toward a campus building may be looking for theft opportunities. Please report suspicious behavior to the campus police, 281-618-5555 or dial 5555 from a campus telephone. Thanks and keep watching out for one another.
