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MACOMB, ILL. -- With the holiday shopping season underway, WIU wants to make sure your personal property doesn't end up on on someone else's Christmas list.

Many people may be running low on funds, and according to WIU's Office of Public Safety, some people choose to do their holiday shopping at the expense of others.

We got some tips to avoid having your property stolen in this KHQA Safe Family Report.

The university is reminding students, staff and faculty to guard personal property by locking offices, desks and room doors when leaving, even if it's only for a few moments.

Don't leave backpacks, purses, bags, cell phones or laptops unattended.

Avoid leaving items in plain view in a vehicle overnight.

And don't leave laundry unattended in the laundry rooms.

"This time of the year seems to bring up these kind of issues, but I think if people use common sense and they really watch their valuables that things will be fine.  Really we have a problem with cell phones, people will have a cell phone or a computer on a desk, or in the library maybe to go to the restroom for just a few minutes and that's all it takes," said Sgt. Thomas Clark of the WIU Office of Public Safety.

In addition to securing belongings, individuals should safeguard themselves

If you have an emergency or notice something suspicious, contact the Office of Public Safety, call 911 or use one of the 51 blue-lit emergency call boxes throughout campus.