Crime Prevention & Awareness

Crime Prevention

If a crime is to be committed, the offender must have the desire, ability and opportunity to commit the crime. Law enforcement alone can do little to remove the offender's desire and ability to commit crimes. Together you and your Police Department can remove opportunities by reporting crimes or suspected crimes immediately and by following these recommendations for crime prevention.

Crime Awareness (Vehicle Safety)

  • Insure proper placement and display of your parking permit for rapid identification of the owner in the event of an emergency.
  • Lock all doors whether you are in or out of your vehicle. Keep the windows rolled up enough to prevent anyone from reaching through the opening.
  • Park in well lighted areas to better observe your vehicle and surroundings from as far away as possible.
  • Strength in numbers. Use the Buddy system when you are in the parking areas.
  • Have your car key ready before you approach the vehicle to prevent making yourself vulnerable while searching for the right key.
  • Glance into the back seat and floorboards of your car before entering; make sure no is hiding inside.
  • If you are being followed, do not go home; begin flashing your lights and sounding your horn. Drive to the nearest police or fire station or other well-lighted place where someone can call the police.
  • If your vehicle breaks down or runs out of gasoline, turn on the emergency flashers, move it out of the traffic lanes, park it on the shoulder or median, get out of the car, raise the hood, then get back into the car. Lock the doors; roll the windows up, leaving enough space for adequate ventilation but not so much that another person could reach in through the opening.

Crime Awareness (Personal Property)

  • Engrave your drivers license number on all valuable property.
  • Record serial numbers and brand names of all property.
  • Avoid leaving valuables and books in areas unobserved by you or a friend. A suggested method for identification of books is the initial/date of birth formula (i.e., write your initials, first, middle, and last names on the page numbers which correspond to the month, day and year of your date of birth).
  • Report suspicious people or circumstances. Stop a crime before it happens.
  • Offer your confidential assistance to the college police.

Crime Awareness (Personal Safety)

  • Avoid walking alone and stay away from dark streets.
  • Avoid short cuts through deserted areas. If you think you are being followed, walk toward areas that are most likely to be populated.
  • Try not to carry a purse, but if you must, carry it securely under your arm. Never wrap the purse strap around your arm or enter into a tug-of-war if a thief grabs your purse. You could be seriously injured.
  • When studying or working late keep the classroom or office door locked. Notify police when leaving if you desire an escort.
  • Stay alert and attuned to your immediate environment. You can probably avoid becoming a victim of crime if you stay alert.

Remember, be aware of the world around you, stay alert, and use good judgment to avoid becoming an easy target.