Crime Prevention

Personal Safety

At home, in an apartment building, or in a residence hall:

1. Keep your room door locked when you are napping or sleeping.
2. Never let unauthorized persons come into your room, enter residence halls, or enter apartment security doors. Always ask to see proper identification.
3. Never prop open inside or outside doors.
4. Do not hide keys outside of your room or apartment. Do not put your name or address on your key rings.
5. Avoid working or studying alone in a campus building.
6. Never dress in front of a window. Close blinds or curtains after dark.
7. If you are awakened by an intruder inside your room, do not attempt to apprehend the intruder. Try to get an accurate description of the intruder and then call the police.
8. Any suspicious activity should be reported to the Police immediately.

When driving:

1. Carry your car keys when approaching your vehicle so you can enter quickly.
2. Always check underneath your car upon approach and in the rear seat for intruders before entering your automobile.
3. Lock your doors and keep windows rolled up whenever possible.
4. Drive on well-traveled and well-lit streets.
5. Never hitchhike and never pick up hitchhikers.
6. If someone tries to enter your stopped vehicle, sound the horn and drive to a safe area such as a convenience store.
7. If your vehicle breaks down, ask any person who stops to help to call the police. Do not allow any person access to you or inside your car. Roll down your window no more than an inch. Be aware that an accident may be staged to provide the other drive an opportunity to commit a criminal act.
8. Leave enough room between your car and the one ahead so you can drive around it if necessary.
9. Call ahead when driving to your home or apartment late at night and have someone watch you walk from your car to your residence.
10. Limit distraction such as cell phones.

While walking or jogging:

1. Avoid walking or jogging alone and try not to walk or job after dark.
2. Avoid dark or vacant areas. Walk along well-lit routes.
3. Be alert to your surroundings. If you suspect you are being followed: Run in a different direction, go to the other side of the street and yell for help, or more quickly to a lighted area, a group of people, or a blue light emergency phone.
4. Have your keys ready when returning to your residence hall or apartment. Keep your personal or valuable items concealed and close to your body.
5. Avoid wearing headphones when walking or jogging. Always be aware of your surroundings and practice risk avoidance techniques.

While out on a date:

The unfortunate statistic is that 90% of rapes occur between people who already know each other and that approximately half of rapes happen on dates. This is commonly known as “date rape” or “acquaintance rape.” While sexual assault and rape by an attacker is never the victim’s fault, there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Take your time in getting to know your companion or “date.” Don’t spend time alone with someone who makes you feel uneasy or uncomfortable. This means following your instincts and removing yourself from situations that you don’t feel good about.
2. Stay with a group of people. Avoid risky areas, such as deserted areas.
3. Avoid excessive alcohol. According to the Journal of Studies on Alcohol, more than 70,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 have been victims of alcohol-related sexual assault or date rape.
4. Be alert for possible use of “date rape drugs” such as Rohypnol, which is illegal in the United States. Someone can slip it into a drink. It causes drowsiness, a loss of coordination, dizziness and memory loss. Never take drinks from other people and don’t leave your drink unattended.
5. Tell someone you trust your date’s name, destination, and planned time of return.
6. Take money for a phone call and taxi fare with you.

When in doubt, call Campus Security. In the event of an emergency, call 911.