November 6, 2009

Police Report Several Laptops Stolen on Parnassus Campus

In the past week, several laptop and electronic devices were reported stolen from Parnassus campus buildings, according to UCSF Police.

Currently, there are no suspect details available. Members of the UCSF community are advised to report suspicious persons immediately to the UCSF Police Department at 415/476-1414.

Here is the report of latest thefts on the Parnassus campus:

On Oct. 27 at 11:20 a.m., two incidents of theft were reported from the fifth floor of the UCSF School of Nursing at 2 Koret Way. A personally owned DVD player and laptop were reported stolen from a secured office area. The thefts occurred between 10 a.m. on Oct. 22 and 10 a.m. on Oct. 27.

On Oct. 29 three incidents were reported:

A laptop was reported stolen from the Clinical Sciences Building at 521 Parnassus Ave. at 9:15 a.m. The theft occurred in a secure office area between 10:30 p.m. on Oct. 28 and 9 a.m. on Oct. 29.
A laptop was reported stolen from a secured office at UC Hall at 533 Parnassus Ave. at 12:15 p.m. This theft occurred between 5 p.m. on Oct. 23 and 8 a.m. on Oct. 29.
A laptop was reported stolen at 1 p.m. from a secured office area on the third floor of the Medical Sciences Building at 513 Parnassus Ave. The theft occurred between mid-September and 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 29, 2009.

Crime Prevention Tips

UCSF Police are reminding members of the UCSF community to protect laptops and computers.

Suspects look for crimes of opportunity and certain measures can be followed to minimize the chances of becoming a victim of laptop and computer theft. These are:

Encrypt the most important data. Install software that makes documents stored in a laptop computer unreadable to anyone without a correct password. The most valuable part of a stolen laptop is the data. Many groups have cash bounties out for particular information that can be resold for identity theft or competitive use. It is very important that you encrypt info on your laptop/computer device to not only protect UCSF property and data, but also to protect yourself against loss of personal property and data. Not encrypting your laptop/computer device exposes UCSF and individuals to liability issues. Proper encryption provides safe harbor against both state and federal penalties against the individual as well as the institution.
Never leave your laptop unattended. Take it with you, or you run the risk that it won’t be there when you return.
Keep your laptop in your physical possession at all times and pay particular attention at the following locations: airports, hotels, car rental agencies, offices, restaurants, college campuses, restrooms, payphones, libraries, bars, hospitals, conferences centers, meeting rooms, coffee shops, train stations and bus terminals.
Some UCSF facilities are open to the public. Know who works in your area and who doesn’t belong there. Don’t let unaccompanied strangers wander around in your workplace. Offer assistance and deliver the visitors to their destinations.
Disguise your carrying case. By carrying your laptop in a case designed specifically for computers, you alert thieves to the fact that you are carrying something valuable. Instead, consider carrying your laptop in an ordinary piece of luggage, satchel, briefcase or other inconspicuous bag.
Record your laptop’s serial number, make and model information in your purse or wallet so if your computer is stolen, the information will be readily available when you file a police report. Also, keep an extra copy of this information at home.
Etch, engrave or permanently mark your computer with your name and phone number. You might also consider placing several of your business cards inside carrying case pockets.
Identify your carrying case in some unusual way. Brightly colored tape, yarn or tags will help you to locate your bag in the event it comes up missing. When traveling, you might also consider affixing something brightly colored to your actual laptop.
If your laptop must be left in your car, store it in the trunk of the vehicle prior to arriving at the final destination.
Regularly back up information. Make sure you store this information separately in case your computer is stolen.
In the event that your laptop is lost or stolen, make sure you report it missing to your employer and Police Department as soon as possible.
Cable locks will deter, but not guaranteed to prevent the theft of laptops and computers because they can easily be cut. For higher security measures, consider a two-way wireless security alarm or laptop perimeter security device.

Members of the UCSF community can help fight crime by reporting suspicious activity to UCSF Police Department immediately. For emergency or in-progress events, call 9-911 when using on-campus land lines and 415/476-6911 when using cell phones. For non-emergency calls, please call 415/476-1414.

Crime Prevention Tips

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