Personal Safety Crime Prevention Tips

Safety Tips for when Walking
Plan/use the safest and most direct route to your destination.
Choose well-lit streets at night.
Stay alert to your surroundings; look confident and purposeful.
Become familiar with stores which are open late.
If you feel uneasy, go directly to a place where there are other people.
Walk with a friend, if possible, particularly at night.
Carry your keys and money in a pocket, not in a purse/wallet.



Safety Tips for While in Your Car
Drive with your windows rolled up as much as possible.
Keep your wallet, purse and valuables out of view while driving. Do not leave them next to you on the seat.
If you see another motorist in trouble, do not stop. As you drive by tell the motorist that you will go to call the police for assistance.
Park in well-lit areas. Look around before you get out of your car.
Put valuables and packages in the trunk or out of sight before you arrive at your destination.
Always lock the doors, no matter how soon you plan to return.
When returning to your car, have the door key in hand. Look inside before you unlock the door and get in.



Safety Tips for On-Campus Apartments
Keep building doors closed and locked. Never let a stranger into the building.
Keep your apartment doors and windows locked at all times.
If you feel suspicious about someone or something, go to a populated area and call Public Safety or the Police immediately.
Report any problems with door and window locks to the Housing Office immediately, on campus extension 780.
Have a plan of escape from your residence in case of a fire or other emergency.
If upon returning to your residence, you find signs of forced entry, leave immediately, seek safety, and notify the Police and campus Public Safety.
Have keys in hand to unlock doors when returning home.
The loss or theft of room keys should be reported to the Housing Office.



Safety Tips for While at Home
If there is a stranger at the door, never indicate that you are home alone.
Do not open the door to anyone you do know without verifying his/her identity.
If someone wants to use your telephone, offer to make the call yourself while the person waits outside.
Never let a stranger through an apartment security entrance.
Do not give any information to "wrong number" callers. Ask, "What number are you calling?"
Hang up immediately if you receive threatening or harassing calls. If the calls continue, keep a record of the date, time and content of each call. Then notify the Police and the telephone company.


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