DePaul Warns Students, Staff Of iPhone Thefts
CHICAGO (STMW) - As crimes connected to smartphones, iPhones and iPods have risen as sharply as the popularity of these devices, DePaul University's Public Safety Office has issued a crime prevention alert advising people to be aware of recent thefts of cell phones and other personal electronic devices on streets and public transportation.
The alert notes that these crimes "are perpetrated by offenders who observe victims using these devices, approach the victims from behind, grab the devices from hands or pockets and then flee the area," a release from DePaul this week said.
The school's Public Safety Office also reports an increase in robberies that occur when people are walking down the streets alone in the evening hours. The offenders approach individuals from behind, grab belongings and flee, the release said. In some cases, victims have been struck from behind and knocked to the ground.
DePaul's public safety office advises students and staff -- and it wouldn't be a bad idea for others to take heed of the recommendations as well -- to take a few crime prevention steps, such as:
• Be alert to your surroundings.
• Secure your personal items.
• Plan your route and change it as needed. Avoid shortcuts through deserted alleys, vacant lots and unlit passages. Walk only on streets with plenty of light and against the flow of traffic.
• Don't walk alone at night if possible.
It is best to be prepared in advance in case your phone is lost or stolen. The iPhone and Android phones have apps available that can locate your phone using another computer, whether the phone is on or not. Many of these apps can remotely lock your phone, wipe the phone's information and cause the phone to emit noise. There are also apps available to back up your contacts in case you need to get a new phone. And if your phone is stolen, contact your service provider immediately.
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