Risk services
Investigations
Location
The Investigations Department can be found in the Burnage Building on Main Road, Lower Campus.
Services
- Reporting to the South African Police Services (SAPS)
- Handling requirements of the complainant/informant after reporting a crime
- Provision of classroom and laboratory security tips, vehicle crime tips, and tips on how to protect your personal possessions
Reasons for reporting a crime to the police
There are many reasons why a crime should be reported to the police, apart from the necessity thereof for insurance claims.
- The crime may require fingerprint or other forensic analysis.
- UCT does not have jurisdiction over areas/residences outside its premises.
- The police may have arrested a person in possession of your property and need to trace the owner of the stolen property.
- Should the criminal be an outsider, only the police can process a full case for the Magistrate's Court.
- If a motor vehicle has been stolen, the vehicle details need to be placed on the country-wide computer network.
- The police need to be aware of all crime in the area and to adjust records for crime statistics.
Who is required to make the report?
The police require the person who discovers the crime to be the person who reports that crime. This is because they require first-hand information, not hearsay information.
Should the property belong to the university, the department concerned is required to report the crime to the police rather than to Campus Protection Services. The police require the person who discovers the crime to make the report so that the information given is first-hand.
What is required from you after you have reported a crime?
- The SAPS case number
- Where relevant, serial numbers for the stolen items
- Any information regarding suspects
- Any other information you receive regarding the crime
- Information about the stolen item(s), such as value and identification marks
- Information regarding any witnesses to the crime
- Notification if the item is recovered
Classroom and laboratory security
Campus Protection Services receives many reports of multi-media equipment stolen after being left unattended after adjournment of a class. Laptop computers used in PowerPoint presentations top the list!
When arranging for pick-up of university equipment, try and arrange for the items to be picked up at your office or some other occupied area.
Campus Protection Services also receives numerous reports each semester of book bags being stolen - or items being taken from book bags - even though at the time of the theft the owner was in very close proximity to the bag. Students often need to move between rooms during classes and will leave their book bags behind. Even in a room full of classmates and professors, a sly thief can avoid detection while lifting your wallet, cellular telephone or other valuables. Always keep a close eye on your property and take only essential items with you to class.
Students studying or conducting research in laboratories also need to maintain control over their book bags and other valuables at all times. Each semester, students who leave their desks to return a book, make photocopies or perform other activities, are victims of theft. Take your belongings with you.
Vehicle security tips
Motor vehicle crimes include vehicle theft, theft from vehicles and malicious damage to property. In the past, car thieves tended to target luxury cars, but nowadays any car is at risk of being stolen. Thieves target older models, as there is a ready market for replacement parts.
There are many anti-theft devices available on the market, from elaborate alarm systems to simple steering wheel locks. Many systems offer adequate defence against motor vehicle theft. Vehicle alarms will activate when a vehicle is tampered with, but people have become so accustomed to "false alarms", that another alarm going off does not always draw the desired attention.
Devices that lock the steering wheel or the gear lever provide a high degree of security for a vehicle. Although no system is impenetrable, thieves usually look for the path of least resistance. In crowded parking facilities a prudent thief will look for an unprotected car rather than tackle a security device. Paying thousands to buy a car but spending nothing to protect it doesn't make sense!
Car break-ins: put out enough bait and eventually you will get a strike. Leave valuables visible in your car and eventually someone will strike ... your car. Car stereos, cell phones and numerous other items are commonly taken from cars on campus. In most cases the items stolen were visible to passers-by. Removing the items from view is one of your best defences against this type of crime. Some car owners are so proud of their ground-shaking car stereos (which, when played at extreme volumes, are not only illegal but also disturb other drivers) that they are advertising to the thieves that this is the vehicle to rip off.
If you have any expensive accessories in your car, engrave your driver's licence number onto them for identification.
If you are buying a stereo system, pick one that can be removed and placed in the trunk when the vehicle is left unattended. Always check to ensure no one is watching before doing so.
Never place valuables on the seat beside you - keep them on the floor.
Protect your wallet/purse
No one intends to lose their wallet or purse, but it happens. Some people feel it is a status symbol to have a lot of cash or credit cards crammed into their wallets. While this may look impressive, losing your wallet could open up your life to a common thief. Take only what you need for the day and leave the rest securely at home. Carry your wallet or purse in a bag or a pocket rather than in your hand. Thieves look for the path of least resistance and could snatch the item out of your hand.
Contact us
Campus Protection Services
Tel: 021 650 2222/3
Investigations Office
Tel: 021 650 2226/8
or 021 650 2122
