The holiday season is prone to a rise in crimes of opportunity, including theft of smart phones, laptops and wallets. Integrated Protection Services would like to remind you to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious persons or activities.

Preventing crime at work

You can protect your belongings and prevent crime with these basic tips:

• Valuables: Never leave your valuables unattended or left out in plain sight. Keep your personal belongings, such as purse, wallet and keys, with you at all times or secure them in a locked drawer or closet.
• Work area: Ensure your work area/office is secure while unattended. Close and secure doors even if you’re only leaving for a few moments and never assume that a stranger in your area is a staff member or that he/she is authorized to be there. If someone is behaving suspiciously or in an unusual manner, approach the person and ask if you can help. This is often enough to discourage a potential thief.
• ID: Ensure your photo ID is worn visible to others. Report lost ID to the Photo ID office immediately to deactivate. Check the identity of any strangers who are in your office. If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, immediately inform your manager or security.
• Access control: Report broken windows or doors that don’t lock properly. Avoid leaving doors and windows propped open when unattended. Develop a key control procedure for your department. Do not label keys with names or personal information and immediately report lost or missing keys to your manager.
• Reporting: Immediately report all lost, damaged or stolen property to your manager and site security (see numbers below). If you witness any unusual activity or suspicious persons, please report this to your manager. Information you have relating to any incident could prove to be valuable.

Vancouver Acute site security contacts

VA routine:  4777 OR 604.677.3734

VA urgent: 5800 OR 604.677.3672

UBCH  routine: 74777

UBCH urgent: 27225

Vancouver Community site security contacts

VC routine:  1.877.332.2999

VC urgent:  911