Theft watch at Medical School

Nov. 3, 2006 -- In the last month, Protective Services at the School of Medicine has received a number of reports of wallets, purses or their contents being stolen from unsecured labs and offices within the confines of the School of Medicine campus. In all cases, these thefts have occurred during normal business hours, with other employees in the area. Cash and credit/debit cards are the target. In several instances the credit/debit cards have been used in the St. Louis metro area quickly, sometimes even before the victim was aware of the theft.

Protective Services recommends the following to reduce the risk of being a victim.

• Secure (lock) in a desk, locker, etc., wallets and purses when you are not carrying them with you.

• Keep to a minimum the amount of cash, credit and debit devices carried in wallets and purses.

• Take note of any persons in your work area who do not appear to belong.

You are twice the victim when your wallet or purse is stolen. First, personal property or identification has been taken without your approval. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, you can exhaust valuable time in reporting the losses to the Department of Revenue (driver license), various credit card companies, banking establishments (debit card/blank checks) and credit bureaus. Please do not become a victim!

For more information, call Protective Services at 362-HELP (4357).