Crime Alert: Theft of Computers
Recently, this department has received information regarding a
group of schools and small businesses in the Greater Philadelphia area
who have been the victims of computer thefts. In each case, it is
believed that the institutions had taken from them a large number of
computers, and that the computers were removed from the crime scenes in
a truck. During one of these incidents, it is believed that the suspects
threw older equipment out of the truck to secure space for more valuable
equipment.
You can aid the Penn Police in this investigation by:
- Reporting any suspicious activity involving the loading of
computers into a truck, especially during non-business hours. It would
be helpful to record the make and model of the vehicle, and any
descriptions of suspects involved.
- Reporting any activities involving a suspicious sale of
computers, especially those being sold out of a truck or other vehicle.
- Reporting any information regarding the previous incidents
to the Penn Police at (215) 898-7297.
Computer Safety Tips
- Secure desktop computers to stationary objects with a
University approved cable.
- Never leave a laptop computer in an unsecured, unwatched
location. It only takes a second to remove an unsecured laptop.
- Register computers with the Penn Police. For further
information, call Victim Support/Crime Prevention Unit at 898-4481.
- Verify computers being removed with appropriate personnel.
An invoice and uniform do not necessarily mean that the removal of a
computer is legitimate.
- Avoid purchasing computers from questionable sources. A
deal too good to be true usually is.
- If someone tries to sell you a computer that is marked as
the property of another, notify the Penn Police. (See numbers
below.)
Prepared by: Officer Paul Misner, #133
Crime Alert: Thefts from Auto
Recently, there have been numerous thefts from auto reported to the
Penn Police Department. In particular, the vast majority of these thefts
have occurred east of 38th Street. Entry to said vehicles was gained by
breaking a window. The most common items taken from these vehicles
include: car or cellular phones, audio cassettes and electronic
equipment.
If you have any information concerning these incidents, please
contact one of the below-listed telephone numbers.
Safety Tips
Help the Penn Police Department and the Department of
Transportation help you by taking the following safety precautions:
- Do not leave any valuables in plain view. If you do not
take your valuables with you, be sure to secure them inside your trunk
prior to arriving at your destination.
- Report anyone who behaves suspiciously to the Penn Police
Department. Try to remember details about the person's appearance and
the area where the person was last seen. Relay all information to the
Dispatcher.
- Avoid leaving your vehicle for prolonged periods of time,
especially at night or on unattended lots.
- As always, when there is a problem, use PENN's Blue Light
Emergency phones for immediate contact with the Penn Police Department.
Open the box and lift the receiver or push the button to speak with a
dispatcher.
Important Telephone Numbers:
Penn Police 898-7297
Penn Detectives 898-4485
Victim Support 898-4481 // 6600
Prepared by: Lt. Susan M. Holmes #12<