Public Safety Department
SAFETY
NEWSLETTER
TIPS
ON SAFEGUARDING PERSONAL PROPERTY
Laptops,
cell phones, iPods, book bags, purses, MP3 players. These are just some of the
items that are reported to Public Safety as being lost, misplaced, or stolen. What
can you do to prevent losing or having your valuables stolen? Simply remove the
opportunity by following the suggestions below:
ON CAMPUS
OFFICES
- Keep your purse,
wallet, keys, handbags, and other valuables with you at all times or keep
them locked in a drawer – DO NOT keep them under your desk.
- Check the
identity of any strangers who are in your work area – ask whom they are
visiting and if you can help them find that person. If this makes you
uncomfortable, inform Security or your supervisor about your suspicions.
- Again, if you
must leave your personal items in your work area, lock them up.
- Report any suspicious
persons or activities to your supervisor or the Public Safety Department (x-5444
or 5445).
CLASSROOMS AND LIBRARY
- Do not leave
personal property unattended even for a minute.
- While in class,
the library, or the lab, always keep personal belongings in view.
- When using
restrooms, do not leave your valuables unattended.
- Try not to bring valuables with you or minimize the
amount of valuables you carry.
- Report any
suspicious persons or activities to faculty, library personnel, or the
Public Safety Department (x-5444 or 5445).
ATHLETIC
FACILITIES
- Secure all
personal property in a locker and keep it locked when unattended.
- Check to ensure
it is a serviceable and secure locker prior to using it.
- Avoid carrying cash
or other valuables with you to the athletic facilities.
- Remember to
retrieve belongings after using the athletic field or tennis courts.
- Report any
suspicious persons or activities to the faculty, athletic staff or the Public
Safety Department (x-5444 or 5445).
OFF CAMPUS
CELL PHONES
Cell phones have fast become a favorite target of thieves. To reduce your chances of becoming the victim of a cell phone theft, the Public Safety Department offers you the following safety tips:
- Always be aware of your surroundings. Thieves may be watching you.
- Use your cell phone security lock.
- Avoid becoming distracted by your cell phone conversation when walking on the street.
- Keep your cell phone out of site. Don't hang it from your purse of jacket.
- Switch the ringer off to avoid attracting the attention of thieves.
- Never loan your cell phone to a stranger. In case of an emergency, offer to make the call for them.
- Consider using hands-free technology.
- If your phone is lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to your cell phone service provider and the police.
PURSE SNATCH
DO NOT....
carry a bag that makes you a target. A bag that dangles from the shoulder can be easily yanked off your shoulder by someone coming up from behind.
DO NOT....
carry your bag in such a manner that you can't let it go if you have to. Many women have been injured because their own bags acted as handcuffs as a purse snatcher yanked it away.
DO....
be aware of your surroundings and carry your bag close to your body, tucked in the bend of your elbow.
DO....
minimize the amount of money and credit cards that you carry with you on a daily basis. Divide your money between pockets and bags.
IF...
you are the victim of a purse snatch do not fight to hold onto your bag, especially if there is a weapon involved.
SUBWAY SAFETY
Here are some tips to help make your ride on NYC subways a safe and pleasant one. Remember that when you're on the platform, the safest place to wait is behind the yellow line, away from the edge.
And it just makes sense to...
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Be careful not to display money in public.
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Hold on to your pocketbook when using the shoulder strap.
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Keep your wallet out of sight and never put your wallet in your rear pocket.
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Be sure your necklaces and other jewelry are not visible.
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Do not doze or fall asleep on the train.
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Beware of loud arguments or noisy incidents. They could be staged to distract you in order to pick your pocket.
WALKING AROUND CAMPUS
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Familiarize yourself with the layout of the campus. Survey the campus while classes are in session and after dark to see that academic buildings, walkways, facilities, and parking lots are adequately secured and well-lighted.
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Plan the safest route to your destination; choose well-lighted, busy pathways and streets.
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Share your class schedule with your parents and trusted friends and give them your telephone numbers.
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At night, stick to well-lighted areas whenever possible and avoid alleyways or “short cuts” through isolated areas.
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Travel in groups and avoid going out alone at night.
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Use the campus escort or shuttle services at night.
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If you are being followed, change direction and go to the nearest business or home; knock on the door, and request that someone call the Police. Note the description of the person following you.
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Walk near the curb and avoid shrubbery or other places of potential concealment.
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Tell a friend or roommate where you are going and what time you expect to return.
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Stay alert to your surroundings and the people around you.
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Carry your purse close to your body and keep a firm grip on it; carry your wallet in an inside coat pocket or your front pant pocket.
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Keep your keys separate from your purse or backpack.
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Don’t overload yourself with bags or packages and avoid wearing shoes that restrict your movements.
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Walk with a confident stride; keep your head up and look around.
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If a motorist stops and asks for directions, keep your distance from the car.
The
Office of Public Safety is committed to investigating reports of lost,
misplaced, or stolen property. Prevention, however, is the best cure. This
newsletter is a service to educate the campus community on safeguarding of
personal property. We know that we are amongst a responsible, vigilant, and
caring population of people.
Please
do your part by getting involved. It will help us all.