Crime Prevention

Safety Tips

• Be aware and alert of your surroundings. 
• Never walk alone after dark. Walk in groups or pairs, in well-lit areas. 
• Wear bright colored clothing to improve your visibility. 
• Tell someone where you are going and who you are going with.
• Stay sober, and don't leave a drink unattended.
• Report threats of physical or violence immediately to University Police and/or a local police agency. 

Theft Prevention

Six facts about thefts on college campuses:

1. Theft is the most common crime on college campuses.
2. The majority of thefts are most likely committed by those using our facilities.
3. Most thefts occur from unlocked and unattended offices, others happen in the cafeterias, libraries, locker rooms and classrooms.
4. Money is usually the target but credit cards can also be stolen.
5. Theft is the most difficult crime for police officers to prove, but the easiest for you to prevent.
6. A thief needs only seconds to steal what it takes you hours to earn.

Protect Your Property

• Lock your office door whenever you leave-even if you are going to be "right back."
• Keep your purse/wallet in a locked desk or cabinet.
• When leaving a classroom, your table in a library, or your seat in the cafeteria, take your purse/wallet with you.
• Do not assume that leaving your books unattended will mean that they will be there when you get back.
• Do not bring large sums of money or valuables on campus.

Vehicle Security

• When exiting your vehicle lock your car and take your keys with you.
• When going to your car have your keys out and ready.
• All packages and valuables should be hidden when your car is left unattended.
• Do not leave your car unlocked or unattended when loading and unloading.
• Park in lighted parking lots, avoid parking near shrubbery, trees, etc., which could conceal a potential attacker or burglar.

ATM Safety Tips

• Be alert for anything suspicious, especially two or more people in a nearby vehicle, particularly if no one else is at the ATM, or someone who just appears to be "hanging" around the area.
• If you sense something wrong, leave the area immediately and use another ATM.
• Have everything ready before you approach the ATM; have your card ready, know your code, fill out your deposit envelop before approaching the ATM.
• Do NOT write your code on your ATM card.
• If you must use an ATM after dark, have a friend go with you if possible.
• At a drive-up ATM keep all windows closed, except the one you are using, and all doors locked.

If You Are the Victim of a Crime...

Report the crime immediately! 

If the police aren't aware of the crime, there's nothing they can do about it. Be prepared to tell the police: what happened exactly, where the crime happened, when it happened, who you are and where you're calling from. Do not disturb any evidence at the crime scene while waiting for police to arrive.

Law Enforcement Encounters