The Oviatt Library strives to be a safe and comfortable place to study. However, the building is open to the general public and, as such, is subject to all advantages and disadvantages of a public place. All too often, library users will leave their personal belongings on a table, a study carrel, or even a group study room to go to get coffee, to visit the restroom, or to get a book from another floor.
During this time, the person’s personal belongings are exposed to theft. Numerous times, students have reported their laptops, backpacks, cellphones etc. missing. Most of the time these items will not be recovered. Therefore the Oviatt Library suggests the following:
- Do not leave your personal belongings unattended even if it is only for a short time. It only takes a second.
- Do not ask a stranger to watch your belongings. You do not know whether that person is a thief or not.
- Enroll in the STOP program administered by the Department of Police Services. The program will apply a security plate and warning label to your electronic equipment, thus reducing the resale value of the item. Look at http://www-admn.csun.edu/dps/police/crime and go to Computer Security & STOP to read more about this program.
