Office Thefts
There have been many thefts reported at other colleges wherein the suspect represents himself as a Facilities Services repair person or a utility company installer. The suspect enters an office and, when he is greeted or questioned by occupants, he says he is there to perform either work or inspections. He uses the ruse of testing a thermostat and checking light fixtures.
When his representations have been accepted, he has gone into unoccupied areas of the office suite and stolen small, easily transportable items such as radios, purses and wallets. This is a common -- and unfortunately successful -- tactic used by many burglary and theft suspects. This type of theft has not happened at Linfield College but all staff should be aware of the possibility and what to do to help prevent such an occurrence.
SAFETY TIPS
Identification is required at Linfield College. All employees and contractors of Facilities Services, Campus Safety and other service units at Linfield College are issued photo identification and are required to show this identification when asked. If there is a question about the person or their identification call the service unit, or call the Safety Department at Extension 7233.
Make a point of getting acquainted with the people working in offices around yours as quickly as possible. Everyone has a role to play in security. Part of that role is to know who belongs and who doesn't. Your supervisor should know who belongs and who doesn't. If a person comes into your work area, claiming to be a utility company employee or maintenance worker and you are not aware of a schedule for such work, ask. Ask to see their identification. Call Facilities Services and verify that the person works for them and that the work was scheduled.
Always lock your door when you leave your office, even when you are going down the hall for just a minute. This goes for your desk and file cabinet too. Lock them when you're going to be away. Recognize strangers and do something about them. Report them to your supervisor, or call the Safety Department at 7233, or, the emergency number, at SAFE (7233). Call as soon as you have any doubts.
Be assertive where security is concerned. You have both rights and obligations in this regard. You have a right to expect your co-workers to follow good security practices and to do things which protect your interests. You have an obligation to do the same for them. Secure personal property when you are in your office and when you are away. Don't put your purse or other personal property in the same place all the time. Don't let people see where you keep your purse, briefcase, etc., unless you know them and can trust them.
Get a security survey of your office or work area. Call the Safety Department to arrange for an officer to come out and survey your office or work area.