MATC Matters

BULLETIN 013007

TO: ALL EMPLOYEES AND STUDENT BODY
FROM: DEPARTMENT OF FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
RE: PARKING LOT THEFTS
DATE: MONDAY JANUARY 29, 2007

MATC Campus Security Services and the Madison Police Department would like to alert you to a recent string of thefts and break-ins at the Truax campus parking lot. In the last two months, 20 plus vehicle break-ins have been reported to MATC Security staff. These thefts usually occur between the hours of 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., however we have reports of break-ins at all other times of the day as well.

At this time, we do have a few leads regarding the recent break-ins, BUT WE STILL NEED YOUR HELP. The parking lot is a busy place and we are sure people are seeing these break-ins take place. If you see anything out of place or suspicious (groups of people loitering around cars, people walking up and down isles with no apparent agenda, people peering into car windows, and the obvious…people breaking windows, messing with car lock mechanisms, or carrying stereo/electronic items from one car to another) please contact MATC Campus Security Services.

If you witness a break-in in progress, IMMEDIATELY call the Madison Police Department (911) with a follow up call to the MATC Campus Security Services. MATC Campus Security Services can be reached at the MATC “HELP” line (608-243-4357 or 4357 if dialing from an interdepartmental phone). We would rather respond to a “falseâ€? call than taking a report of another theft of break-in.

We are doing our part to prevent this problem with increased patrols in the parking lot and additional help from the Madison Police Department. However, there are a few universal precautions you can take to reduce your risk of becoming the next victim….

1. Park in open, well lit areas near your destination. Avoid parking near large trucks, vans, or dumpsters that obstruct the view of others and provide concealment for thieves.
2. Turn off your engine, completely roll up your windows, lock all doors, and take your keys with you even if you are only making a quick stop.
3. Car alarms work wonders when a thief attempts to break-in, move, tilt, or start your vehicle. If your vehicle is already equipped with an alarm system, make sure it is activated EVERY TIME you leave your vehicle. **A good tips about car alarm systems….The louder they make noise, the faster the thief runs**
4. NEVER leave any contents in plain sight. Cell phone, wallets, purses, audio systems, computers, packages, sports equipment, tools, all make an easy target for a quick smash and grab. (THIS ALSO APPLIES TO LEAVING ITEMS AROUND THE SCHOOL. EVEN IF GETTING UP TO GO THE BATHROOM OR OTHER QUICK TRIP, TAKE ANY ITEMS WITH YOU THAT YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO LOSE!)

With everyone’s help, we can prevent this problem from happening again. If you have any additional questions, please stop any MATC Campus Security Officer, or stop by our new office in room 117, Truax Campus.

Thanks in advance for your help and cooperation,
MATC Campus Security Services

Cynthia Eghbalnia, MPH, CIH
Campus Safety & Security Manager