PROTECTING YOURSELF AT HOME, IN YOUR ROOM, DORM OR APARTMENT
Lock your door, even when you intend to return home shortly or even if you are just going down the hall. It takes a thief ten seconds or less to enter an open room and steal your property.
Lock or secure doors and windows when you are alone or asleep.
Do not leave valuables lying out in plain sight. Record the serial number of your valuables or engrave your drivers license or social security number on the item.
Keep emergency numbers by your phone.
Do not leave messages on your door indicating that you are away and when you will return.
Do not let strangers enter dormitory or premises.
Do not prop open outer doors.
If someone asks to use your phone for an emergency call, offer to telephone for them instead of allowing them access.
Do not put your address on your key ring.
Know your neighbors.
Do not leave keys in hiding places. Thieves will find them. Carry your keys or make sure that anyone who truly needs them has their own copy.
Call 578-3231 to report suspicious persons or activity in or around your neighborhood. Off campus, call 911.
Open a savings or checking account instead of keeping money in your room.
Keep automatic teller machine cards in a safe place, keep your PIN number secret. When possible, only use atm’s during the day.
Instead of carrying large sums of cash use a charge card. Some charge cards insure property purchased with those cards against loss, theft or damage.
If you find yourself in immediate danger, call 578-3231; try to stay calm and get away at first opportunity.
PROTECT YOURSELF WHEN WALKING
Avoid walking alone at night unless absolutely necessary.
Keep to well lit, commonly travelled routes.
Avoid shortcuts and dark, isolated areas.
Walk purposefully, know where you are going, project a no-nonsense image.
Avoid potentially dangerous situations.
If you feel threatened, cross the street, locate an emergency phone, or enter a store or place of business even if you have just left it.
Have your door keys ready; carry them in your pockets, not buried in a purse.
PROTECT YOUR AUTO or BICYCLE
Always lock your car. Never leave the windows down while it is unattended.
Do not leave tempting valuables or property visible inside the car. Lock these items in the trunk.
Lock bikes to bike racks with hardened-alloy locks and chains or u-shaped locks to prevent thefts.
PROTECTING YOURSELF WHEN DRIVING
Look into your car before getting in. Lock doors and roll up windows once inside for protection.
Never pick up strangers.
Carry change for emergency calls. 911 is a free call.
Drive to a police or fire station or open place of business if you feel you are being followed.
Do not stop to help occupants of stopped or disabled vehicles. Continue driving to the nearest phone and call assistance for them.
Raise the hood, then lock yourself into your car if it breaks down. If someone stops and offers you help, remain in your car and ask them to phone for help. Do not worry about seeming rude.