Work with Us to Prevent Thefts

One of the hard tasks in security is investigating the loss of assets, because this means that someone has been victimized. And yet Security must periodically deal with reports of thefts which could have been prevented. Police provide the following profile of thefts in office areas:

Information on Thefts
What?
  • Personal property including purses, wallets, money, radios, souvenirs and other small valuable items.
  • Office computer laptops, notebooks, and attractive items such as desktop organizers.
Where?
  • Unattended offices: off of desks and cabinets, out of drawers, shelves -- in other words ... anyplace .
When?
  • All of the time, but particularly during Spring, Summer and holiday periods.
  • Lunch hour and closing time are periods favoured by "off-the-street" thieves who take advantage of staff absence and exit buildings with normal pedestrian traffic.
Who?
  • Mostly petty thieves, but temptation could lure anybody into committing theft from your office.

Remember that safeguarding personal and office property is the responsibiIity of each and every one of us. USE COMMON SENSE ... AND CUT BACK ON THEFTS. Everyone is urged to please follow these basic rules concerning the protection of valuable items, especially on pay-days and when few co-workers are present:

Do not leave purses, wallets, or other valuables unattended, for even short periods of time.

Carry valuables with you or lock them in a safe container, such as a safe or filing cabinet.

Do not "hide" keys or combination numbers in obvious hiding places.

If you receive a telephone call from anyone asking you to leave your work area, ensure that you are satisfied with their verbal identification, that their request is valid and that you have secured and locked your belongings before leaving.

Eliminate temptation by hiding valuables from view when the office is vacant. Ask a colleague to watch your area while you are away.

Strangers should not be allowed to roam the vicinity unchallenged. If you see strangers in your work area, ask them if they require assistance or directions. Legitimate visitors deserve this common courtesy to help them reach their destinations. Challenge strangers (including other employees) politely, i.e., "May I help you?" or "Whom do you wish to see?"

Note the appearance of suspicious persons and report to your Regional Security Officer.

Your Regional Security Officer is your main contact point for additional information, or to report an incident or theft.

Only with the cooperation of everyone in the workplace will incidents of theft and loss be reduced.