Following the steps below can reduce your risk of being victimized.
Protecting yours and other's property
Car
- Always lock all car doors.
- Always remove all valuables such as CD's, checkbooks and cash from your vehicle.
- Do not leave valuables like wallets, jewelry, credit cards, cash, and computers in plain view.
- Do not loan your keys to anyone.
- In public places keep your valuable items out of sight or in a safe place. If you must leave area for any length of time, take personal items with you.
When Driving
- When approaching your vehicle carry your keys so you can enter quickly.
- Lock your doors and keep windows rolled up whenever possible. Always check the rear seat for intruders before entering your vehicle.
- Drive on well-traveled and well-lit streets.
- Never hitchhike or pick up hitchhikers.
- If someone tries to enter your stopped vehicle, sound the horn and drive away, even if you must go through a red light or stop sign.
- If your vehicle breaks down, raise the hood and wait in your locked car for help. Be aware that an accident may be staged to provide the other driver with an opportunity to commit a criminal act.
- Leave enough room between your car and the one ahead so you can drive around it if necessary.
While Jogging or Walking
- Avoid walking or jogging alone and never walk or jog after dark.
- Avoid dark or vacant campus areas. Walk along well-lit routes.
- 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 head quickly for a lighted area or a group of people.
- Have your keys ready when returning to your car or apartment and keep your personal or valuable items concealed and close to your body.
- Stand tall, walk purposefully and make eye contact with those around you. If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, leave.
Steps to follow if you see suspicious activity or people
If you see any suspicious activity or people on or near the campus it is your responsibility to
call college staff immediately and report what you have seen. Do not assume that what you
see is an innocent activity or that another individual has already called the police. Do not
worry about being embarrassed; rather think about what could happen if you do not act.
However, do not approach suspicious individuals, this could put you in immediate physical
danger.
Suspicious people may be:
- Loitering about at unusual hours and locations
- Running, especially if something of value is being carried
- Exhibiting unusual mental or physical symptoms. Person(s) could be under the influence of drugs, or otherwise needing medical or psychiatric assistance
- Carrying property that might be suspicious, depending on the circumstances
- Going from room to room trying door knobs
Other unusual situations:
- Open or broken doors or windows
- Unusual noises-anything suggestive of foul play, danger or illegal activity
- People sitting in parked vehicles for an extended period of time
- Vehicles driving slowly in a parking lot at night
- Anyone not belonging to the college community
Steps to follow to ensure the safety of your bicycle or other vehicle:
- Lock all vehicles when parked.
- Use a high quality lock. The lock should have a double locking mechanism with heel and toe locking. "U" bolt locks are the best for bicycles. Place the chain, cable or lock through both wheels, the frame and around the bicycle rack. Take the wheels and seat with you if they are removable.
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