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MCC Daily Tribune Archive

Recognize the Risk and Remove it: The Three Rs of Crime Prevention


Three elements must be present for a crime to occur: desire, ability and opportunity. The potential criminal has to “want” to commit a crime, and have the “ability” to commit a crime, but if we deny him the “opportunity” to complete the act, then no crime can be committed.  This is especially true of property crimes, i.e. thefts of personal belongings from lockers, classrooms and vehicles.  In an overwhelming number of thefts reported to the Department of Public Safety in recent weeks, there is one recurring theme - “unlocked” - unlocked cars in the parking lots, unlocked lockers in the gym, and unlocked rooms in the residence halls. 

In today’s world of technology, personal computing devices and cell phones worth several hundred dollars, along with wallets and cash, are easily carried about in backpacks and purses that are left in unlocked compartments, or left unattended in public areas.  Plastic is the new currency, and a credit or debit card in the wrong hands can wreak havoc on your bank account and credit rating in short order.  Replacing your credit cards, driver’s license, laptop computer, and cell phone, along with a host of other documents and devices, is costly, time-consuming and frustrating; it’s also totally avoidable.  If you remove the temptation, then the aspiring criminal will move on to another potential victim, and if everyone on campus denies the aspiring criminal the opportunity to steal, then we’re all safer and more secure.

A few tips on how to avoid being the victim of a thief:

1.     ALWAYS lock your dorm room, office, home and vehicle doors and windows when you leave, regardless of how long you may be away.  Theft from an unlocked vehicle or locker takes less than 30 seconds.

2.     NEVER leave valuables unattended in public areas, such as the library or classroom.

3.     NEVER leave your purse, wallet, jewelry or other valuables exposed; store them out of sight when not in use and under your immediate control.  Store valuables in the trunk of your car, not on the front seat where they can easily be seen by anyone walking by.

Consider utilizing Public Safety’s Operation ID service, which engraves your valuables with a distinct identifiable number.  This will aid in recovering and returning these items to you in the event of a theft.

As always, if you have any questions regarding this or any other crime prevention tips, do not hesitate to contact the Department of Public Safety at 292-2912.  For additional information on Operation ID, please contact Lieutenant Michael Farrow at <mailto:mfarrow@monroecc.edu>. 

Be smart, be safe.

Debra Dwyer and Michael Donalty
Public Safety
11/22/2013