PUBLIC SAFETY’S TOP 20 TIPS:1. Always lock your door whenever you leave your room, regardless of the length of time you plan to be gone. A surprising number of thefts occur while the resident is on the same floor.

2. Lock your room when you are asleep.

3. Never prop locked or latched doors.

4. Do not loan your key to anyone or have keys duplicated.
5. Report lost or stolen keys immediately to residential life staff and public safety office.

6. Do not allow entry into your building to people you do not know. Refer strangers to the RAs, Hall Directors and Public Safety.

7. Get acquainted with the other student residents on your floor or in your complex as soon as possible. This will make it possible for you to know who belongs there and who does not.

8. Report suspicious persons or behavior to the office of Public Safety.

9. Use the “buddy system”. Avoid walking alone at night. Walk in well lighted areas.

10. Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Be ready to make a good decision about your own safety and the safety of others.

11. Do not leave notes on your door announcing no one is home, or you’ll be back shortly leaving the door unlocked.

12. Place you car keys on a separate ring from your room key. Do not put you name or address on your key ring.

13. Require identification and authorization from contractors, repairmen, and maintenance men wanting to enter your room.

14. Do not allow pizza delivery or any sales person to enter your room or residential floor.
15. If you receive annoying or obscene phone calls, hang up the phone immediately. Record the time, what was said and any special sounds or characteristics. Notify the Campus Life staff and Public Safety.

16. Always keep your car windows and doors locked, and valuables out of clear view or path to avoid property damage and auto theft.

17. Avoid keeping large amounts of cash, use traveler’s checks or checkbook, and/or check cards to avoid thefts.

18. If checks and/or credit cards are stolen, report the theft to Public Safety and credit card companies immediately. (i.e. identity theft is increasing nationwide)

19. Don’t give out any information to anyone over the phone you don’t know.

20. Don’t assume too much about “new friends”. Complete trust must be earned…over time