Campus Safety Tips

Vehicle Safety

• Park in well-lit, populated areas.
• Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, find another place to park.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not leave valuable items visible in your car.
• Close all windows and lock all doors before leaving your vehicle.
• Make a copy of your registration and keep it in your wallet or purse.
• Remove all forms of identification from your vehicle. Anyone with permission to drive your vehicle should also have a copy of the registration with them to furnish to the police if necessary.
• Before entering your vehicle
  • Walk with others to your vehicle whenever possible.
  • If someone looks suspicious, leave the area immediately; do not try to go to your vehicle.
  • Carry your vehicle key on a separate ring from your house keys.
  • Have your keys in hand when you approach your vehicle.
  • Look around and underneath your vehicle before approaching.
  • Check the back seat of your vehicle.
  • Upon entering your vehicle, immediately lock all doors. 
• While driving
  • If you are involved in a minor collision in an isolated area, you may want to drive to a well-lit and populated area before stopping to assess your damage.
  • Never pick up hitchhikers or troubled motorists. If you want to help a troubled motorist, drive to the nearest phone and call the police.
  • While driving, if you notice that you are being followed, do not go home. Drive to the nearest police station, open store, or service station for help. If you are fearful of exiting your vehicle, honk your horn to draw attention to yourself.

Bicycle Theft Risk

Bicycles and bicycle parts, including “quick release” seats and wheels, are in big demand, and thieves are well-equipped and organized.

• Bike locking tips include:
  • Always lock your bike to a bicycle rack.
  • Use a high quality “U” shaped lock. Avoid using lightweight cables or chains, or low quality U-locks.
  • Always lock your bicycle through the frame and both wheels to a bicycle parking rack.
  • Lock all free parts of bike or take them with you.
  • Avoid leaving your bicycle locked outside overnight.
  • Before leaving your bicycle, give the lock a tug to ensure it is secured.

ATM Safety

To increase your level of safety at automatic teller machines, follow these basic guidelines:

• Try to use the ATM during day light hours.
• If you have to get cash at night, go with someone else and only use machines that are well-lit and visible from a major street. Look for suspicious people or activity.
• If you notice anything out of the ordinary, even if you have started a transaction, cancel your transaction and leave.
• When entering your secret code, use your body as a shield.
• Always take your transaction receipts and statements.
• Do not count or display money at the ATM.
• Do not accept offers of help from anyone you don’t know.
• When you use a drive-up ATM, make sure your passenger windows are closed and all your doors are locked.
• Do not give your secret code to anyone, including someone who might be posing as a police investigator or bank official.

Residential Theft Prevention Tips

Here are a few tips for discouraging would-be thieves in your residence or apartment:

• Keep outside doors locked.
• Ask strangers to wait in common areas while their friends are summoned.
• Lock your room door and windows when you leave, even if only for a minute, and take your keys with you.
• Keep small valuable items out of sight, in a closed drawer or another place out of common view.
• Politely offer assistance to persons in your building who you do not recognize. If they have legitimate business, they will appreciate your help. If they do not, ask them to leave.
• Do not leave your car unlocked when loading or unloading.
• Do not leave coats, books, or other valuable items in common areas. Keep them in your room.