Property Theft Prevention - Western Special Constable Service

Protect Your Property and Reduce Opportunities for Theft

Learn practical ways to secure your belongings, prevent theft, and report lost or stolen property on campus.

Protect Your Belongings

Theft can happen quickly when property is left unattended or unsecured. A few consistent habits can reduce opportunities for loss.

Keep valuables with you or secure them in a locked location
Do not leave phones, laptops, bags, wallets, or keys unattended
Lock offices, residence rooms, lockers, vehicles, and storage areas
Keep access cards, keys, and identification separate from information showing where they are used
Record serial numbers and identifying details for valuable property
Report suspicious activity, damaged locks, or security concerns promptly

Even short absences can create an opportunity for theft.

Report General Property Theft or Loss

Protect Laptops, Phones, and Other Electronics

Portable electronics are common targets for theft because they are valuable, easy to carry, and often left unattended.

Keep devices with you or secure them in a locked room, cabinet, or locker
Use a strong passcode, screen lock, and multi-factor authentication
Enable device-tracking and remote-lock features before a device is lost or stolen
Record the make, model, serial number, and other identifying information
Back up important files regularly
Avoid displaying expensive devices unnecessarily in public or unattended areas

Report a stolen device promptly and change passwords for any accounts that may be accessible from it.

Bicycle Theft Prevention

Secure your bicycle every time you leave it, even when stopping for only a few minutes.

Use a high-quality U-lock or hardened chain lock
Lock the bicycle frame and at least one wheel to a designated bicycle rack
Remove lights, bags, helmets, and other detachable accessories
Avoid leaving a bicycle in isolated or poorly lit areas
Record the make, model, colour, serial number, and identifying features
Register your bicycle through Western’s 529 Garage program

Report damaged locks, suspicious activity, or an attempted theft to WSCS.

Register Your Bicycle Report a Stolen Bicycle

Vehicle and Parking-Area Theft Prevention

Lock your vehicle and remove visible valuables whenever you park on or near campus.

Close all windows and lock every door
Take keys, access cards, identification, and electronic devices with you
Store bags, packages, charging cables, and other property out of sight
Park in a well-lit, regularly used area whenever possible
Do not leave a running vehicle unattended
Report suspicious activity, damaged vehicles, or signs of forced entry promptly

If you discover a theft or vehicle break-in, avoid disturbing the area and contact WSCS.

If Property Is Lost or Stolen

Report lost or stolen property as soon as possible and provide clear identifying information.

Check the area where you last had the item
Contact WSCS if you believe the property was stolen or the circumstances are suspicious
Provide the make, model, colour, serial number, and any unique identifying features
Include the approximate time and location where the item was last seen
Disable or lock lost phones, laptops, access cards, and financial cards promptly
Keep any occurrence or reference number provided to you

Property found on campus should be turned in through the appropriate lost-property process.

Report a Theft or Loss of Property Call WSCS

Bike Registration

Register your bicycle through Western’s 529 Garage program to record identifying information and support recovery if it is lost or stolen.

Learn About Bike Registration

Report a Concern

Report suspicious activity, attempted theft, damaged locks, unsafe conditions, or other non-urgent safety concerns to Western Special Constable Service.

Report a Concern