Campus Building Security

The purpose of community crime prevention is simple: to help you recognize your own vulnerability to crime and reduce your risk through preventive action and cooperation with the police. Theft is the most common crime on the campus. Most thefts occur during the daylight hours, and in 80% of reported thefts and burglaries, thieves enter the structure without forced entry. In your office, exchange information about your schedules and watch your neighbors’ rooms and work areas. Report suspicious activities to one another and to the police.

Campus Buildings:
The Yuba Community College District Campuses are generally open to the public, and buildings differ with regard to the hours they are open. Custodial Services and/or departments located within a building, generally have responsibility for opening and closing campus facilities.

College and Personal Property:
Wallet, purse and backpack theft make up a large percentage of personal property theft. If you work in an office, you can reduce the opportunity for theft by taking a few simple precautions:

• Do not leave your wallet/purse in an unlocked desk or cabinet, or out in the open.
• Lock up your desk when you leave.
• Lock your door when you leave, even if you are gone for a short time.
• Create an office or building watch program within your building; work with other occupants to monitor offices and property.
• Maintain strict key control to all offices in your building .

Property Lock Down:
Although no office or home is completely safe from theft, you can make it more difficult for a thief to steal your equipment or property, and improve the chances of recovering stolen property, by following the suggestions below:

• Keep an updated inventory of all office, lab and home equipment.
• Have all equipment locked down with an approved lockdown device.
• Identify all college equipment by recording the serial number or engraving on the top or front side.
• Identify your personal property by engraving your California Driver’s License number on it. Do not use your social security number.
• If you live out of state, you can use that number followed by the abbreviation for the state of issue.

Suspicious Persons/Behavior:
If you see a suspicious person in your building, ask if you can help them. If the person has legitimate business in the building, he or she will appreciate your assistance. If not, ask the person to leave the building, but only if you feel comfortable doing so. If the person refuses to leave, call the police. Be prepared to describe the person when you call the police.

The following are examples of behaviors that could be considered suspicious:

• A person or persons whom you, or the other employees, do not recognize going from room to room or office to office.
• A person or persons standing in a hallway for a long period of time.
• A person or persons waiting outside of the building near the time that the building will be closing.

Return to the Personal Safety Education Page