The Towson University Police Department (TUPD) is committed to ensuring a safe, open, and inclusive environment where everyone will feel safe and thrive. As the second largest institution in the USM, we are proud that, in partnership with the TU community, we have achieved the lowest per capita crime rate within the USM. Unfortunately, we are not totally immune to crimes of opportunity such as theft.
In any campus environment, books, laptops, cell phones, bicycles, and purses are the prime targets for thieves. TUPD will be participating in operation “GOTTCHA!” during the first few weeks of school. If an officer sees your item unattended, they will post “GOTTCHA!” tags on the items, doors, and other theft opportunities they find.
In addition, the TUPD will be on the second floor of the University Union from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, September 7. During this time, we will be engraving laptops, cell phones, other electronics, and registering personal property. If you have not downloaded TU’s “Safer Mobility” application, the TUPD will be on hand to show you how.
The following points serve as reminders to help deter an opportunistic thief from taking advantage of you:
- Be aware and observant during your daily activities. If you feel the actions of a person appear suspicious, take the time to notify the police. We would much rather receive a call and determine later there was no problem than not be informed when a crime is being committed.
- Promptly report and cancel your lost or stolen credit cards and debit cards to prevent unauthorized use.
- The TUPD’s Community Outreach Unit can assist you in the engraving of your property.
- Do not leave your property (backpacks, laptops, cell phones, textbooks, purses etc.) unattended and unsecured while attending class, a dining facility, the library, or performing another activity.
- Do not leave property unsecured in your office or cubicle. Secure your valuables in a locked desk or cabinet while out of the office.
- Promptly report the presence of strangers in buildings.
- Do not leave your property in plain view in your parked vehicle. Remove and store the items securely in the trunk or remove them from the car entirely for safekeeping.
*Each student who registers their valuables will receive a FREE t-shirt, and other goodies.*
For more information, please contact Sgt. Ron Harris at 410-704-6530, room 201 West Village Commons or Cpl. Kia Williams from the Community Outreach Unit at 410-704-5622, room 200F University Union.
