Burglary & Theft

Burglary and theft are property crimes that involve the unlawful taking of property or unauthorized entry into a building, vehicle, or other location. While these crimes often result in financial loss, they can also leave individuals feeling violated, unsafe, or anxious, particularly when a home, residence hall, office, or personal space has been entered without permission.

Under Texas law, burglary generally involves unlawfully entering or remaining in a building, habitation, or vehicle with the intent to commit a crime, while theft involves unlawfully taking property with the intent to deprive the owner of it. Depending on the circumstances, related offenses may include motor vehicle burglary, package theft, bicycle theft, or scooter theft.

Property crimes can happen to anyone and may occur on or off campus. Common examples include:

• Residential burglary — unlawful entry into a home, apartment, residence hall, or office to commit theft or another crime.
• Transportation Theft — this includes the theft of your bicycle or scooter.
• Vehicle burglary — entering a vehicle without permission to steal property or commit another offense.
• Theft of personal property — stealing items such as backpacks, laptops, bicycles, cell phones, wallets, or other valuables.
• Package theft — taking delivered packages from a residence, office, or mail area without permission.
• Identity or financial theft — using stolen personal information, credit cards, debit cards, or financial accounts without authorization.
• Theft by deception — obtaining money or property through fraud, scams, or false representations.

Experiencing a burglary or theft can affect people in different ways. Some individuals are primarily concerned about replacing stolen property, while others may experience stress, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, or a loss of security after someone entered their personal space. These reactions are common, and support is available.

Every person's situation is different, and there is no "right" way to respond after experiencing a burglary or theft. Whether you choose to report to law enforcement, pursue university resources, or simply want to discuss your concerns, Victim Services is here to provide information, support, and guidance. Our services are free and available regardless of whether you decide to make a police report.

Victim Services can assist with:

Emotional Support & Crisis Intervention

• Helping individuals process their emotions and regain a sense of safety and control following a burglary or theft.

Safety Planning

• Develop a personalized safety plan for your home, residence hall, workplace, vehicle, or other locations based on your circumstances.
• Discuss strategies to reduce future risk and increase your sense of security.

Understanding Your Options

• Explain the criminal justice process, victim rights, and what to expect if you choose to make a report.
• Provide information about university resources and available supportive services.

Practical Assistance

• Discuss steps to document stolen property, preserve evidence, and assist with insurance claims when appropriate.
• Provide information about replacing personal documents, financial cards, identification, or other important items.
• Coordinate emergency housing or temporary campus resources when appropriate.

Financial & Identity Theft Resources

• Provide guidance on responding to stolen financial information or personal identifying information.
• Connect individuals with resources to report fraud, protect their identity, and monitor financial accounts.

Referrals & Advocacy

• Connect you with campus departments, counseling services, legal resources, financial assistance programs, and community agencies based on your individual needs.

While no one can completely prevent crime, taking a few practical precautions may help reduce the risk of burglary or theft. These suggestions are intended to promote safety and security.

Protecting Your Property

• Keep personal belongings such as backpacks, purses, laptops, and cell phones with you or secured at all times.
• Lock your residence, office, and vehicle, even if you will only be away for a short period.
• Avoid leaving valuables in plain view inside your vehicle.
• Record serial numbers and keep photographs or receipts for valuable property when possible.

On Campus

• Do not leave personal belongings unattended in classrooms, libraries, dining areas, or study spaces.
• Register bicycles with UTPD and secure them using a quality U-lock.
• Use well-lit and populated areas when possible and report suspicious activity to UTPD.
• Secure residence hall rooms and do not allow unknown individuals to enter secured buildings.

Protecting Your Financial Information

• Monitor your bank and credit card accounts regularly for unauthorized transactions.
• Enable account alerts and multi-factor authentication whenever available.
• Be cautious when sharing personal or financial information online or by phone.
• Shred documents containing personal information before disposing of them.

Protecting Your Digital Devices

• Use strong, unique passwords for your electronic devices and online accounts.
• Enable location services and device tracking features when available.
• Keep software and operating systems updated.
• Avoid leaving laptops, tablets, or other electronic devices unattended in public areas.

If You Experience Burglary or Theft

• Report the incident to law enforcement as soon as practical.
• Contact your financial institution immediately if credit cards, debit cards, or checks are stolen.
• Change passwords if electronic devices or personal information may have been compromised.
• Notify your insurance company if you plan to file a claim.
• Keep a record of stolen property, including serial numbers, photographs, and receipts, if available.