While identity theft and patient privacy breaches at hospitals remain a major issue in the industry, Notaries working at hospitals and doctor’s offices also need to be careful not to leave important work tools in their vehicles during the day, as thieves target parked vehicles at healthcare facilities, looking for valuable medical items to steal. Leaving an item containing sensitive information like a phone or journal in your car is an invitation for a break-in.
The University of Miami Hospital suffered an outbreak of thefts targeting employee vehicles in 2012, according to news reports. Thieves broke into cars parked at the hospital and stole items ranging from iPhones, radios and purses to a $90,000 defibrillator and three pacemakers.
Notaries should never leave their seals or journals unattended in a vehicle, as they can easily be taken if someone breaks into the vehicle, exposing sensitive signer information to possible misuse.