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Safety and Security

CRIME PREVENTION


Auto Theft Auto Theft more copy arrow

To prevent being an auto theft victim:

  • Lock your car, take your keys and park in well-lighted areas.
  • Always set your car alarm when you are away from your car.
  • Completely close ALL car windows when parked.
  • NEVER leave valuables in plain view.
  • If you have a garage use it.
  • When parked in a garage, lock the car as well as the garage door.
  • NEVER leave your car running unattended.
  • Consider anti-theft/tracking devices, i.e. The Club, Ignition Kill or LoJack tracking systems.
  • Install motion-sensitive lighting in carports.

Date Rape Date Rape more copy arrow

Date Rape

A recent national survey indicated that 15% of women students on college campuses will become victims of rape and 11% will be victims of attempted rape.

Other recent studies have produced similar results:

  • 84% of the women who had been raped knew their assailants.
  • 57% of the incidents had occurred during dates.
  • 73% of the assailants and 55% of the victims had used alcohol or other drugs prior to the assault.

Unfortunately, sexual battery, also known as rape, is a subject surrounded by misinformation. The information presented here is intended to help you understand the facts. Armed with facts you can make the best choices for your situation.

Date/acquaintance rape occurs when an individual is forced by someone he or she knows to participate in unwanted sexual activity. Threats and intimidation, administration of alcohol or other drugs, as well as physical force or restraint is often present in an acquaintance rape situation. Acquaintance rape is the most common form of rape on college campuses.

Acquaintance rape occurs most often during or after social events such as parties at bars, fraternity/sorority parties, or other places where students may congregate while using alcohol or drugs. It can even occur on a date.

There are expectations about what men's and women's roles should be, and at times these expectations conflict with true feelings. It is the responsibility of both men and women to communicate their feelings directly and to respect each other's right to say NO.

Always remember, no means no.

Identity Theft Identity Theft more copy arrow

Identity Theft

Becoming an identity theft victim is very distressing and will disrupt your daily life.
Prevention Tips:

  • Buy a shredder, shred everything with any personal information before
    placing that information in the trash
  • Get a mailbox that locks.
  • Take mail to the post office rather than leaving it for the mail carrier.
  • Opt out of receiving pre-approved credit cards.

If You Are a Victim:

  • Immediately contact the police.
  • Contact ALL creditors by phone and in writing.
  • Contact your Bank, put a stop on ALL accounts and start anew.
  • If you suspect a thief has changed your address Immediately notify the Postal Inspector.
  • To report ANY misuse of your Social Security number notify the Social Security Administration.
  • Notify the Division of Motor Vehicles to report the theft of your driver's license.

To Regain Your Identity Immediately notify the fraud units of the three credit reporting companies to stop further damage and to prevent any fraudulent accounts being set up.

  • Equifax: P.O. Box 105069, Atlanta, GA 30348
    Report Fraud: 1-800-525-6285
    Order Credit Report: 1-800-685-1111
    www.equifax.com
  • Experian: (formerly TRW): P.O. Box Box 9532, Allen TX 75013
    ReportFraud/Order Credit Report: 1-888-397-3742
    www.experian.com
  • Trans Union: P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834
    Report Fraud: 1-800-680-7289
    Order Credit Report: 1-800-888-4213 www.transunion.com

Other Resources

  • Federal Trade Commission
  • Privacy Rights Clearing House
  • Identity Theft Survival Kit
  • Coalition against Insurance Fraud
  • Social Security Administration

Removal of Your Name from Mail and Phone lists

  • Direct Marketing Association
  • Mail Preference Center Service: P.O. Box 9008, Farmingdale, NY 11735
  • Telephone Preference Service: P.O. Box 9014, Farmingdale, NY 11735

Personal Safety Personal Safety more copy arrrow

Personal Safety

Three elements are present when a criminal commits a crime:

  • Ability - The perpetrator needs the ability.
  • Desire - The perpetrator needs the desire.
  • Opportunity - The perpetrator needs the opportunity.

You have little or no control over a criminal's ability or desire. Therefore we must eliminate the opportunity that criminal's seek when choosing a victim. Be Prepared

  • Always be alert and aware of the people around you.
  • Educate yourself concerning prevention tactics.
  • Be aware of locations and situations which would make you vulnerable to crime, such as alleys and dark parking lots.

Street Precautions

  • Be alert to your surroundings and the people around you, especially if you are alone or it is dark.
  • Whenever possible, travel with a friend.
  • Stay in well-lighted areas as much as possible.
  • Avoid doorways, bushes and alleys where someone could hide.
  • Walk confidently, and at a steady pace.
  • Make eye contact with people when walking.
  • Do not respond to conversation from strangers on the street, continue walking.
  • If you carry a purse, hold it securely between your arm and your body.

Car Safety

  • Always lock car doors after entering or leaving your car.
  • Park in well-lighted areas.
  • Have your car keys in hand so you don't have to linger before entering your car.
  • Check you back seat before entering your car.
  • If you think you are being followed, drive to a public place.
  • If your car breaks down, open the hood and attach a white cloth to the car antenna.
  • If someone stops to help, stay in the locked car, roll down the window a little and ask them to call the police.
  • Don't stop to aid motorists stopped on the side of the road, go to a phone and request help for them.

Waiting for a Bus

  • Avoid isolated bus stops.
  • Stand away from the curb until the bus arrives.
  • Don't open your purse or wallet while boarding the bus, have your pass money in hand.
  • Don't invite trouble-keep gold chains and jewelry out of sight.

On the Bus

  • During off-hours sit as close to the bus driver as possible.
  • Stay alert-Be aware of people around you.
  • If someone bothers you, change seats and/or tell the driver.
  • Carry your wallet inside your coat, or in a front pocket (a comb placed horizontally in the fold of your wallet, will alert you if someone tries to remove it from your pocket)
  • Keep your handbag in front of you and hold it close to your body with both hands.
  • Check your purse or wallet if someone is jostling, crowding or pushing.

Office/Classroom Safety

  • Never leave your purse or billfold in plain view or in the pocket of a jacket hanging on a door.
  • Personal property should be marked.
  • Don't leave cash or valuables at the office.
  • If you work alone or before/after normal business hours keep the office/classroom door locked.
  • If you are in the elevator with another person, stand near the control panel.
  • Be alert of pickpockets on crowded elevators.
  • Report ALL suspicious people and activities to the proper authorities.
  • Be aware of escape routes for emergencies, and post the phone numbers of Public
    Safety/Security/Police and Fire departments near telephones.