Off-Campus Assaults and Robberies (March 1, 2006)

Since the beginning of 2006, the Salisbury Police Department has received six reports involving people being assaulted while walking in the areas of S. Division Street, Princeton Avenue, Green Moor and Vine Street.  In most of the cases the victims have been approached by groups of juveniles and assaulted.  In four cases personal property was stolen.  Several arrests have been made in these cases. If you have any information regarding these cases, contact Salisbury Police at 410-548-3165 or Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776.

Basic Street Smarts:
These personal safety tips, compiled by University Police, apply wherever one resides.  The precautions may lessen the likelihood of becoming a victim.  Increasing awareness of crime prevention techniques may decrease the opportunity for a person to commit a criminal offense.

1. Stay alert. You are your own best protection.
2. Trust your instincts. If something or someone makes your feel uneasy, use your cell phone to call 911 for police assistance.
3. Do not walk or jog alone after dark. Walk in groups, there is safety in numbers.
4. Walk in well-lit areas and stay near the curb, away from alleys, entry ways and bushes where someone could be hiding.
5. Avoid short cuts. Walk where there are other people present.
6. Let a family member or friend know your destination and estimated time of arrival.
7. Walk confidently, directly, and at a steady pace. Make eye contact with everyone you pass. Don't talk to strangers.
8. Wear clothing and shoes that give you freedom of movement.  Avoid carrying a purse or too many items.
9. If you are being followed when walking, change directions, vary speed. Go to a well-lit area where there are other people.  If followed by someone in a car, turn and walk in the other direction.  Record the license number.
10. If you feel uncomfortable walking alone on campus or to nearby off-campus locations during the hours of darkness, call University Police for an escort (410-543-6222).
11. Report any suspicious activity or crimes to your local police department.

Street Robbery Tips:

1. Try to remain calm. Do not resist. Consider the robber dangerous.
2. In most cases, the robber only wants your valuables/money and is not there to hurt you.
3. Assume the robber is armed, even if you don't see a weapon.
4. If a weapon is displayed, consider it to be real and loaded.  Don't stare at it.
5. Do only what the robber tells you. If you don't understand, tell the robber.
6. Attempt to get a good, complete description of the robber.
7. Your main goal is to survive!
8. Don't fight back! The most effective self defense measures include running away, hiding and screaming.  More people will respond to someone yelling "FIRE" than "HELP".
9. Remember--your money can be replaced, your life can't. 

Chief Edwin L. Lashley
University Police