Tips for Safeguarding Your Electronic Devices

By
Ricardo Morales
January 03, 2011

Dear Public Safety Friends,

According to the New York City Police Department, the snatching of electronic devices (Cell Phones, PDA's MP3 Players) is on the rise across the city and in many other large cities around the world. This is due to both the increased value and ubiquity of these devices.

A common element in these incidents is that the victims are not paying attention to their surroundings, distracted by the device in question. Quite often the perpetrator follows the victim from behind and snatches the electronic device right out of his or her hand. In a number of these incidents, the perpetrators were riding bicycles when they targeted their victim. These events are not limited to the streets and have also occurred on subways and buses. The NYPD & FBI are currently investigating fencing operations (stores) that are buying these stolen electronic devices.

To avoid being a victim:

  • Pay attention to your surroundings, minimize the amount of time you talk on your cell phone in public places.
  • If you suspect you are being followed, go into an open store or a Public Safety Safe Haven (RED LION DECAL IN THE WINDOW) and have the clerk call the Police or Public Safety right-away. http://www.columbia.edu/cu/publicsafety/Safe%20Haven%20locations.pdf
  • Avoid short cuts, walk in well lit well traveled areas.
  • Program the following Public Safety numbers into your cell phone: Morningside:212-854-5555, Medical Center 212-305-7979.
  • Keep all electronic devices in an inside jacket pocket. Avoid clipping them onto outer garments or displaying them anywhere visible.
  • If your cell phone is stolen, call your carrier and report the theft. Request that a Theft Alert be placed on the phone, preventing it from being used again.
  • Mark your device by engraving it & registering it with the NYPD / CU Public Safety (Operation ID) or with invisible ink (NYPD Blue Light). These programs are offered free of charge by Public Safety. For more Information, please call 854-8513.

Parents who are thinking of purchasing an expensive phone or MP3 player for your child please keep this information in mind and discuss with your child. There is also an increase in teenager on teenager incidents (Teens being robbed by other teens). 

Thank you,

Ricardo Morales
Manager Crime Prevention Programs
Columbia University 
Department of Public Safety
212-854-8513
www.columbia.edu/cu/publicsafety  
Pride-Professionalism-Service

Tags
archive