Crime happens because there is a CRIMINAL to commit the crime, a VICTIM who can be victimized by the criminal and the LOCATION or OPPORTUNITY for a crime to occur.

General crime prevention tips
You can reduce the likelihood of being the victim of criminal activity if you take away the OPPORTUNITY for the criminal to make you his victim. Here are some recommended strategies to help prevent being a victim of crime.

Crime and Suspicious Circumstances
Always report crime and suspicious circum-stances immediately. The chances of an apprehension and recovery of property greatly increase when citizens call the police right away.

Opportunity Theft
Opportunity theft is the most prevalent crime on any college campus. In the campus bookstore, never store your backpack or valuables in the open wooden cubicles located just inside the store entrance. If you can have a friend watch it, or take it to your vehicle. It only takes a few seconds for a thief to take your unattended valuables and be out the front door. In the Library, always maintain possession of your books, laptops and valuables. Never leave them unattended to search for a book or leave to use the restroom. Victims often tell us that they left only for a minute and came back to find their property gone. One solution is to ask a friend to watch your gear if it is not practical to take with you.