Thefts increase with students' return

As the semester begins and students flock back to Stillwater, more and more students are falling victim to property theft and larcenies. Recent OSU police and Stillwater police department activity reports show an increase in these crimes around campus, as well as throughout the rest of Stillwater.

OSU PD Lieutenant Mark Shearer said many individuals on campus fall victim to what is known as a crime of opportunity by leaving their belongings unattended.

"Individuals who would not normally commit a crime are often tempted by these situations," Shearer said. "When they do commit these crimes it is hit and miss whether we will be able to apprehend the thief. OSU has a very safe campus, but it is important to remember that a safe environment does not mean a theft-free environment."

There are a few things students can do to aid officers in tracking down stolen items, most notably by labeling their property with their name and contact information and writing down the make, model and serial number of their important belongings.

A number of cases reported involve items being stolen from vehicles, an easily avoidable crime.

"The fact is that OSU is an open campus, anyone can simply walk through and all over the state people are aware that OSU classes start this week and that there will be lots full of cars and that somewhere in those lots, one of the cars is unlocked," Shearer said. "We have arrested individuals from Tulsa and Oklahoma City who come to Stillwater solely to take advantage of this situation."

Items that are reported stolen, according to Shearer, are entered into a National Crime Investigation Computer terminal that can be accessed at police stations anywhere in the nation allowing for an item stolen in Stillwater and recovered in Texas to be traced to its origins.

LoJack, a computer program designed to keep track of the computer it is installed on, is another very helpful utility according to Shearer.

"The program allows us to ping the stolen computer when it is connected to the internet and allows us to pinpoint the computer's location" Shearer said.

Another option to ensure the security of your belongings is purchasing a Data Dot, a paint-on identification number that attaches a unique number to the item it is attached to, according to datadotusa.com.

"The product consists of polyester substrate micro-dots, each the size of a grain of sand, onto which unique information is laser etched," according to the Data Dot website. "These unique dots come pre-mixed in a UV based adhesive for ready application onto assets such as cars, motorcycles, snowmobiles, laptops and other electrical equipment, business assets, cell phones, tools, powersports equipment, and other high value items."

Students need to be aware that the best way to be safe with your belongings is to keep track of them and to keep doors and windows locked, there is no sense in giving someone an opportunity to victimize you.