There has been an increase in the overall crime rate on the Georgia Tech campus. According to Officer Ian Mayberry of the Georgia Tech Crime Prevention Unit, this overall increase is due primarily to bike and laptop thefts. Total reported bike thefts from January 2008 through September 2008, are reported at 96 thefts, up from 20 thefts for the same period last year. Laptops thefts are at 80, compared to 5 thefts for the same period last year. While GPS and car stereo thefts always make the list of reported crime, there has been a decrease in motor vehicle theft. "The equation is quite easy to understand," Mayberry said. "Tech students love portable gadgets and thieves love gadgets because they are easy to turn into cash. This makes our students especially vulnerable." Mayberry also noted that they have found that on-campus criminal are often "employed" by outsiders looking to make a big bucks off of students.

"Common sense can prevent a lot of these crimes," he said. "Lock your car doors and keep valuables like your GPS and car stereo out of sight. Don't walk away from your computer in the library. Students should register their bike and laptops with the Georgia Tech Police Department. We also recommend that students purchase a U-lock which can purchased for about $30 - a great investment in protecting a bike that costs several hundred dollars. "

During the upcoming holiday breaks, Mayberry stressed the importance of securing your valuables. "While we don't receive a lot of calls during this period because students are typically off campus. Students return to find that their belongings have been stolen. At that point, there is not much that can be done."

Visit the Georgia Tech Police Web site www.police.gatech.edu for more information on Crime Prevention and Safety Tips. You may also download the Georgia Tech Police Crime Awareness Brochure for quick access to helpful information. Encourage your student to register their bike for FREE by calling 404-894-1288.