Protecting Your Stuff

• Locks don’t work unless you use them. Most thefts on campus occur in unlocked rooms. If you have a problem with your lock, report it immediately to residence services.
• Keep your eyes peeled. If you see someone suspicious in your residence hall or office building, ask what he or she is doing or call DPS. Salespeople are not allowed in the residence halls, and a hall resident must accompany all non-Drake visitors.
• Keep an eye on your laundry. Clothing can be removed during laundry cycles. If you use off-campus laundry facilities, don’t go alone or late at night.
• Caution is key. Don’t leave your keys lying around. Don’t lend them to anyone. Don’t leave copies under a mat, behind a desk or in your mailbox. If your keys are taken, report the loss to your residence hall director at once. You can get new keys and have your locks changed for a fee.
• Make your mark. Operation Identification at Drake helps you identify your belongings. Just call the Des Moines Police Department for an identification number and then engrave it on your property. Police can use the number to identify stolen property as yours and return it to you. Drake will supply an engraver. Ask your resident assistant for more information.

Be responsible — to yourself and to others

If you are robbed or attacked, report it. When you call DPS, describe what you’ve seen or heard. Give the address and location of the incident, the number of people involved, descriptions of the people, details and circumstances, and the license numbers and descriptions of any vehicles involved.

It’s important to report a crime, no matter how insignificant it seems. Sometimes police can fit your problem into a pattern developing in the city. Reporting a crime is the only way to keep the same person from hurting or stealing from someone else.

If you intend to report a theft to your insurance company, you must file a police report.