Morningside Crime Prevention
101 Low Library
Telephone: (212) 854-8513
Medical Center Crime Prevention
109 Black Building,
Telephone: (212) 305-8100
Crime prevention is a high priority in the Public Safety Department. Living in a large city requires students and employees to practice sound crime prevention techniques when walking at night, riding the subway, safeguarding property, or the like. A Public Safety Investigator follows up on all reports of criminal activity by contacting the complainant to ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted. Where appropriate, police referrals are made by this manager. Crime prevention lectures concerning personal property and safety are presented to various groups and campus organizations. During orientation week, members of the Public Safety Department begin this educational process by presenting crime prevention information to incoming students. Throughout the year, the Public Safety Operations Desk offers a variety of literature on specific ways to safeguard one’s property and person. Safety and security information and training are continuously provided to students, staff, and faculty through bulletins, crime alerts, and a free newsletter published by the Public Safety Department.
Useful tips on crime prevention are available from Columbia’s Crime Prevention Unit via informal lectures that can be scheduled for any size group and through information packets on personal and residential safety. The Crime Prevention Unit also offers support in the event that it must present a criminal case to the police department or the courts.
Columbia is part of a nationwide program to deter theft by permanently identifying valuables. Register for participation in the program through Public Safety and borrow an engraver to mark all of your valuable property with your assigned number. Keep a good photograph of anything you cannot engrave. You should also keep an up-to-date property inventory that includes detailed descriptions of the property and model and serial numbers.
Never leave your belongings unattended. Make sure you keep your bag or purse where you can see it, not on the floor by your feet or on the back of your chair. Do not keep valuable items in your coat pocket. Report any suspicious persons to Public Safety immediately.
The best way to prevent vehicle theft is to make it difficult to steal your car or bicycle. Park your car in well-lit and busy areas. If you park in a commercial lot or garage, leave only the ignition key with the attendant. Always lock your car, even when you leave it briefly. Do not leave luggage, packages, or other valuables inside that might tempt a thief. Do not leave vehicle registration inside the car. Anti-theft devices delay the car thief and buy time.
Always lock your bicycle. A key-operated, steel U-shaped lock is recommended. Be sure to use your lock to secure at least your back wheel and frame to a bicycle rack or similar immobile object. On the Morningside campus, use only authorized bicycle racks. Never lock your bicycle by the front or back wheel alone. Also, lock your bicycle in a well-lit area where pedestrian traffic will discourage theft. Anti-theft devices are available at both the Morningside and Medical Center campus security offices at discounted prices. Bike registration, V.I.N. Glass Etching, and Combat Auto Theft NYPD Crime Prevention Programs are also available. For information, call the Crime Prevention Unit.
Help prevent computer theft by getting your computer secured. Universal notebook security cables and computer recovery software are available at discounted prices by calling the Crime Prevention Office at (212) 854-8513.
If you are approached by a person or a group of people who ask you to put up money for a bizarre reason, usually promising you a large financial reward, do not give them any money. Some of the more common stories involve a winning lottery ticket or cash that has been found. You may even be called by someone purporting to be a bank examiner or other official asking for your help in catching a dishonest employee.
If you are in doubt about a situation of this nature, call the Crime Prevention Unit. Should an incident occur, inform Public Safety or the NYPD.