According to the school’s resource officer (SRO) Jamie LaClaire, there has been an increase in thefts this year due to the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies.

Prevention of larcenies (thefts):

• If you carry a purse, place items inside your purse and keep it zipped
• Keep purses on you at all times.
• If you don’t carry a purse, keep items in pockets or backpack.
• Never leave visible personal items unattended.
• Cars should be locked at all times while on campus.
• Valuables left in cars should be kept out of view, either in glove boxes or center consoles.
• The school provides lockers, so use them and lock them.  Do not give combinations to anyone.

What to do if you are a victim of a theft:

• Do not panic.  There are many avenues that can be used to recover your property.
• First, notify an adult.  This can be a teacher, principal, staff member, or the SRO.
• The sooner you report the theft the easier it will be to identify who stole it and recover the item.
• Fill out an offense report.
• Make sure to include the date and time of the offense, the make, model, and serial number of the item, from what room the item was taken, as well as who was sitting around you when the theft occurred.
• Notify your parents immediately.

If you are a victim:

• The SRO will take the appropriate report and enter your items into NCIC if there is a serial number so the item can be traced if it is pawned or sold.
• If you have tracking software installed on your phone, notify the SRO and he can assist you in tracking the item.

Also, notify your service carrier as soon as possible.  Service companies have tracking software that can help recover stolen items.

There is simply no way to prevent ALL thefts, including those that occur in the schools.  However, it is possible to reduce the opportunity for theft by protecting yourself and your belongings.  It is your job to make sure that your items stay safe.  No one can do that for you.  The schools and police can assist in recovering and prosecuting the suspects.

But, the best way to prevent thefts is to make sure to keep your items with you at all times.

For more information, please contact:

MPO Jamie LaClaire

2nd Precinct/School Resource Officer F.W. Cox High School

School Phone: 757-648-5250 X: 85277

2nd Precinct: 757-385-2700

Email: [email protected]