Crime Prevention

Identity Theft Protection

Identity thieves prey on anything that reveals personal information.  Identity theft is when someone's personal information has been stolen for the use to commit deception or fraud.  Some ways that you can reduce your chances of becoming a victim:

  • Check your billing dates
  • Ask questions before revealing personal inform
  • Carry only what you need in your wallet
  • Shop only on secured websites
  • Protect your mail

If you are a victim of identity theft or think you may be:

  1. Contact the fraud department of each of the three major credit bureaus
    • Equifax                     1-800-685-1111
    • Experian                   1-800-397-3742
    • Transunion               1-800-916-8800
  2. File a police report with the police or sheriff in your community and in the town or city where you thing the crime took place
  3. Monitor your credit report

Operation ID

This nationwide crime prevention program helps identify property if it should be stolen. Operation Identification is a program centered upon the belief that to prevent crime we must attempt to address the elements of the crime triangle. We attempt to make property less desirable to the criminal element by marking our valuables in such a way that they can be identified, increasing the likelihood that the thief will be caught with stolen goods. By doing this we hope that the criminal will choose to go elsewhere to commit his crimes and if he does take your belongings that if caught we can identify your property, successfully prosecute the thief, and return your property to you.

STAGES OF OPERATION IDENTIFICATION

Engrave Your Property

Engraving your valuables with the number on your driver's license will aid police agencies in identifying you as the property's owner. It may also prevent a thief from choosing to steal your belongings because they are more identifiable if they are caught with them. Even if your belongings have a serial number already, engraving your driver's license number will ease identifying you as its owner.

Keep a List of Your Valuables

Make a list of all of your valuables. Make several copies and store them in two or more secure locations, such as a safe, locked drawer or cabinet. Include on your list a full description of the item including color, make, model, year of manufacture, and any other identifiers, including any engraving.

Items to include on your list are personal walkmans, CD players, stereos, computers (desktop and laptop), printers and any other peripherals, telephones, televisions, radios, and any other belongings. Most electronic equipment has a serial number; anything that does not have any good identifier can be engraved. For more information, contact a Public Safety Officer. Also save information about your bicycle and vehicle (insurance policies often include your vehicle's identification number, plate, and other information).

If you have any questions filling out your inventory or locating identifiers, please feel free to contact a Public Safety Officer.

Report any Stolen Items to Public Safety

If any of your belongings are stolen, notify Public Safety immediately 803-534-2812. Reporting your loss can ease recovery.

Street Crime Prevention

No one is completely isolated from street crime.  There are over six million people victimized each year.  Chances are that you or someone you know has been a victim.  Street Crime Prevention provides suggestions on how to remain street safe.  For more information, contact the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety Crime Prevention Unit at 803-533-6033.  A few tips that may help you are:

  • Avoid walking alone 

  • Walk confidently, directly and at a steady pace

  • Avoid walking at night

  • Stick to well traveled streets

  • Don't wear shoes or clothing that restricts your movement.

  • Carry your purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps.  Put your wallet in an inside coat or front pocket, NOT a back pocket

  • If you think someone is following you, switch direction or cross the street.  Walk toward an open store, restaurant, or lighted house.  If you are scared, YELL!!!

  • Be careful giving directions to pedestrians or motorist.  Keep a safe distance to avoid getting grabbed or dragged into an automobile.

Crime Prevention Officer

1320 Middleton Street
Orangeburg, SC 29115
(803) 531-4654

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