The past month has ushered in a rash of petty thefts on the California State University, Stanislaus campus.

The CSU Stanislaus University Police Department stated there have been five bicycle thefts, two vending machine thefts, and two wallets stolen all in the past 30 days.

The investigation into the thefts is ongoing and in the meantime the police department issued reminders on how to keep personal property from landing in the hands of thieves.

• Secure bicycles with a heavy-duty bike lock. Thieves can easily cut thin cable locks.
• Always report suspicious persons or activity immediately by calling 911.
• Keep valuables out of sight; including purses and wallets, cell phones, electronics and jewelry, and never leave valuables unattended. 
• Make an inventory of your valuables including serial numbers. If your property is stolen, this is how police will identify and return it. The UPD has engravers and will subtly mark your property at no charge.
• Always secure confidential paperwork, thumb drives and portable media in a safe place and always lock your computer screen to prevent unauthorized access.
• The approaching holidays are a prime time for thieves. Never leave valuables or gifts in plain sight inside your vehicle. A thief can break in, grab the property, and be gone in seconds.
• For your personal safety, consider taking a self-defense course offered by UPD. Call 667-3114 to speak to Officer Cheri Silveira or the on-duty sergeant for information about future classes.

If anyone has any information about the thefts or has seen anything suspicious, please call the UPD at 667-3114.