{"id":81,"date":"2010-11-18T15:21:22","date_gmt":"2010-11-18T19:21:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.shu.edu\/codeblue\/?p=81"},"modified":"2017-06-06T16:15:37","modified_gmt":"2017-06-06T20:15:37","slug":"crime-prevention-and-personal-safety-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.shu.edu\/codeblue\/2010\/11\/crime-prevention-and-personal-safety-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"CRIME PREVENTION AND PERSONAL SAFETY TIPS"},"content":{"rendered":"

The University campus and neighboring areas are not immune to crime.\u00a0 Property crime is the most common, but serious crimes against persons do occur.\u00a0 Individuals can take steps to reduce their vulnerability:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Maintain situational awareness<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pay attention to the behavior and actions of people and the circumstances around you.<\/p>\n

Be alert for danger signals (for example, someone luring you from a public area to a location out of public view).<\/p>\n

If something seems bad, it probably is!<\/span> \u00a0Take action to avoid the threat and immediately report your observations to 9-1-1.<\/p>\n

Avoid isolation<\/strong><\/p>\n

Isolated persons are more likely to be victimized.<\/p>\n

Walk in groups, especially after dark.\u00a0 There is safety in numbers.<\/p>\n

Utilize SHU transportation services (SHUFLY, CASE van, on-campus escorts) or taxi services to avoid walking alone at night.<\/p>\n

Avoid isolated areas (locations in which there are no other persons nearby to see or hear if you are victimized and come to your assistance by intervening or alerting the police).<\/p>\n

Avoid isolation indoors (being alone in a laundry room, study area, workspace, etc.).<\/p>\n

Do not go into an isolated location with someone that has not yet earned your trust (for example, going into an isolated room at a party).<\/p>\n

Control access to residence and workspace<\/strong><\/p>\n

Keep exterior doors and accessible windows closed and locked.<\/p>\n

Do not leave apartment or residence hall doors unlocked or propped\/ bolted open.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t allow strangers into your residence (or allow them to \u201cpiggyback\u201d behind you).<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t open campus gates for strangers (let them use their SHU ID to enter).<\/p>\n

Verify the ID of any maintenance workers that want to enter your residence.<\/p>\n

Notify your landlord if locks and other security devices are missing or broken.<\/p>\n

Follow safe party practices: attendance by invitation (only people you know) and \u00a0prevent access to other rooms beyond the occupied party area.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t leave property unattended or unprotected<\/strong><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t leave your valuables (handbags, wallets, laptops, etc.) unattended.<\/p>\n

Keep your car doors locked and don\u2019t leave valuables exposed to view.<\/p>\n

Lock your bicycle to a bike rack with a high quality locking device or store in a locked indoor location.<\/p>\n

\u00a0Avoid use of alcohol and drugs<\/strong><\/p>\n

Intoxication is a factor in many serious crimes involving college students.<\/p>\n

Alcohol and drugs degrade your situational awareness!<\/p>\n

Persons under the influence are less likely to see danger coming or to effectively deal with it.<\/p>\n

Persons under the influence are much more likely to be aggressive and involved in criminal activity.<\/p>\n

Follow safe party practices: \u00a0have parties without alcohol,\u00a0 if alcohol is served, strictly limit consumption (and do not serve to underage persons), have non-alcoholic drinks and food available, do not allow intoxicated persons to drive.<\/p>\n

\u00a0Take precautions on the Internet<\/strong><\/p>\n

Avoid divulging personal information and your daily movements online.<\/p>\n

Utilize the privacy features of the social networking sites you use.<\/p>\n

Be alert for phishing scams.<\/p>\n

Report suspicious and criminal activity<\/strong><\/p>\n

Understand the importance of reporting:\u00a0\u00a0 a crime cannot be prevented or solved if it isn\u2019t reported!<\/p>\n

Report suspicious and criminal activities immediately!<\/p>\n

When reporting include:\u00a0 location of the incident, time of occurrence, description of the activity observed, description of persons involved,\u00a0 location and direction of travel of suspects, presence of weapons, etc.<\/p>\n

Call 9-1-1 for emergencies on or off campus or use the campus emergency telephone (red button).<\/p>\n

Non-emergencies on campus, call PS&S at 761-9300 or use the campus emergency phone (black button).<\/p>\n

Non-emergencies off campus, call SOPD at 763-3000.<\/p>\n

What to do if you are directly confronted by criminal activity<\/strong><\/p>\n

If the assailant wants your valuables, give them up (nothing you own is worth your life)!<\/p>\n

If you are being assaulted there are options<\/span> based on your capabilities and the circumstances:<\/p>\n