Safety Tips

This page is full of tips that can help you avoid becoming a victim of a crime when you are at school, work, or just out and about.

By taking a few simple precautions, you can reduce the risk to yourself, and also discourage those who commit crime.

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 and Parking Lot Precautions

• Be alert of your surroundings and the people around you, especially if you are alone or it is dark.
• Whenever possible travel with someone.
• Stay in well-lit areas as much as possible.
• Walk close to the curb. Avoid bushes and alleys where someone could hide.
• If you carry a purse, hold it securely between your arm and body.
• Walk confidently, and at a steady pace.

Car Safety

• ALWAYS lock your car doors after entering or leaving your car.
• Park in well-lit areas.
• Have your car keys in your hand before you get to your car.
• Check the back seat before entering your car.
• If you think you are being followed, drive to a security, police, sheriff or fire station.
• Don't stop to aid motorists stopped on the side of the road. Go to a phone and request help for them.
• Never pick up hitchhikers.

Office and Classroom Safety

• Never leave your purse or billfold in plain view or in the pocket of a jacket hanging on a door or chair.
• Don't leave cash or valuables in the office or classroom, even for a short time, such as a break.
• Be aware of escape routes for emergencies.
• Report suspicious people and activities to security personnel.
• When sitting in the cafeteria, lounge or on outside benches, always keep personal belongings with you.
• If you work alone or before/after normal business hours, keep the door locked.
• If you attend night classes or work late, try to walk out with another person or call security for an escort.

If a crime occurs, report it

Everyone should consider it his/her responsibility to report crime. Many criminals target favorite areas and have predictable methods of operation. At least one out of two crimes in the United States goes unreported, usually because people don't want to get involved. If you don't report a crime, this allows the criminal to continue to operate without interference.

In many cases, it is the information provided by victims and witnesses that leads to the arrest of a criminal. So tell as much as you can, no fact is too trivial.