Crime Prevention Tips (August 30, 2006)

Welcome!  University Police is providing you with a listing of useful crime prevention tips.  Please read and print out this information for future reference.  Remember--you are your own best protection.

RESIDENCE HALLS / APARTMENTS:

1. Keep your door locked at all times.
2. Don't unlock the door for strangers.
3. Keep first floor windows locked.
4. Take your wallet/purse/back pack/cellular phone with you.
5. Lock electronic equipment, PDA's, laptops, IPOD's and other valuable property in a locker or personal safe.
6. Consider locking your items in the trunk of your vehicle.
7. Don't leave notes on your door announcing that you aren't home.
8. Don't leave clothing unattended in the laundry room.

CAMPUS WIDE (library, dining hall, classroom, restroom, or any campus
facility):

1. DON'T LEAVE YOUR PROPERTY UNATTENDED - The theft of electronic items, backpacks and textbooks is common-the resale value of books makes them attractive targets for petty thieves. If you can't see it, take it with you.
2. IDENTIFY YOUR BELONGINGS:
    - Textbooks - Put your name and address inside the cover and on an inside page or two.
    - Engrave your ID number on items that might interest a thief, basically anything that's portable and    valuable. The University Police Crime Prevention Officer can assist you.
    - Laptop Computers- Consider a cable lock for your room and registration via the University Police Website.

WALKING:

1. Walk confidently, know where you are going.
2. Avoid going alone--there is safety in numbers.
3. Walk/park in well lit areas.
4. If possible, don't carry a purse or briefcase.  If you must carry one, keep it close to your body.
5. Avoid passing shrubbery and other places that provide concealment to opportunists.

VEHICLE: 

1. Approach your car with your keys out.
2. Observe your car for anyone hiding in or near it.
3. Check your car for signs of tampering.
4. Always lock your car.
5. Be aware of your surroundings.
6. If stopped, look for quick escape routes.
7. Sound your horn if someone attempts to enter your car.
8. If you are being followed, drive to the nearest police or fire department.

STREET ROBBERY:

1. Stay alert. You are your own best protection.
2. Trust your instincts. If something or someone makes you 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.

DURING A STREET ROBBERY:

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/ vehicle/ direction the robber fled 7. Your main goal is to survive!
7. 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".
8. Remember--your money can be replaced, your life can't. 

These are only a few crime prevention tips. For additional information, contact the University Police Crime Prevention Office at 410-543-6222.
You do not need to be paranoid or afraid, just aware of your surroundings at all times.

Chief Edwin L. Lashley
University Police