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There are a number of
safety precautions that we were taught when we were children that we still
follow today. Safety precautions are actions that can reduce an individual's
risk of being the victim of a crime. Below are a number of safety precautions
that might be helpful in avoiding victimization. Many of these "tips" seem
like common sense, you may already do most of these things. This list can
be used as a reminder and might include ideas that you may not have thought
of. Safety precautions are not a guarantee that you will not be the victim
of a crime. Sometimes, no matter what you do, a crime will happen. It is
important to remember that you are not to blame for the crime that was
committed against you. The person that commits the crime is always responsible.
Theft of a
wallet/purse:
- Never leave your
purse or wallet unattended.
- Make copies of all
your credit card numbers and identification cards. Keep these copies in
a safe place (not your wallet).
- Remember your
credit card/ATM's PIN number; never leave it with your card.
- If you don't need
your purse/wallet when going out, leave it at home.
- Carry some money in
other pockets.
- Always keep a firm
grasp on your purse, or if carrying a wallet, occasionally check to make
sure your wallet is still there.
- Put your wallet in
your front pant's pocket, as opposed to your back.
- If your
purse/wallet is stolen, immediately report your stolen credit cards and
contact the local police.
Theft of personal
property:
- Lock your doors and
all accessible windows whenever you have to leave your space unoccupied,
even if only for a few moments.
- Keep doors and
accessible windows locked when you are sleeping.
- Never leave
exterior building doors propped open.
- Do not leave
personal property unattended in libraries, laboratories, classrooms,
dining halls, recreational facilities, or other commonly used or public
spaces.
- Do not allow
unescorted strangers into residence halls or apartment buildings,
private office areas, laboratories, or other less-commonly used areas.
Don't be afraid to ask for identification.
- Keep personal
valuables, such as handbags, wallets, and jewelry, out of plain view.
- If your room or
office keys are lost or stolen, report them missing immediately and have
the locks changed.
- Do not put I.D.
tags on your keys. This will reduce the possibility that anyone finding
the keys will also find the locks that they will open.
- Avoid keeping your
handbag or wallet under your desk or in an unlocked drawer.
Before entering
your car:
- Always pay
attention to your surroundings and any activity near your car.
- When approaching
your car to enter it, have your key in hand, and check the handles,
locks, and back seat before entering your vehicle.
- If there is someone
loitering near your car, keep walking until they leave.
- Do not leave any
valuables or personal items unattended in your vehicle. If you do not
take them with you, store them in the trunk of your vehicle before
arriving at your destination.
While in your
car:
- Keep your doors and
windows locked. Roll your windows up.
- Travel well-lit,
busy streets. Avoid high crime areas, especially after dark.
- If stopped in
traffic or at a light, keep your car in gear and stay alert. Also, leave
enough distance between your car and the one in front of you, so you can
pull away quickly if necessary.
- If you want to park
your vehicle, but see a stranger near your home, drive away and park
when the stranger is gone.
- When using drive-up
automate teller (ATM) machines, be aware of your surroundings.
- Never pick up
hitchhikers.
- If you are involved
in an accident or have a flat tire, wait for the police to arrive, or
drive slowly to a safe area. Keep your doors and windows closed and
locked.
- Check the daily
routes you travel and pick out safe spots- 24-hour gas stations,
convenience stores, and police and fire stations. If trouble should
arise, drive straight to one of these locations.
When parking your
car:
- Park in well-lit
areas. After exiting your car, make sure that all windows are rolled up
and all doors are locked.
- If you are going to
purchase stereo equipment or cellular phones, purchase items that can
easily be removed from your car and taken with you.
- Do not leave any
important items or papers like credit cards, title ownership, or check
books in your glove compartment.
Locker room
safety:
- If your room or
office keys are stolen from your locker, report them missing immediately
and have the locks changed.
- Do not put I.D.
tags on your keys, or attach your I.D.s to your key chain. This will
reduce the possibility that anyone finding the keys will also find the
locks that they will open
- Keep personal
valuables, such as handbags, wallets, and jewelry, out of plain view.
- ALWAYS close and
lock your gym locker whenever you are not using it.
- Never leave any
personal items out and unattended.
- If any personal
items have been stolen, report it immediately to the police.
Bicycle
theft:
- Always secure your
bike to a bike rack, and use a good quality "U" bolt-locking device.
Never leave an unsecured bike unattended, even for a few moments.
- Make sure no part
of your bike can be stolen from the whole. Take your bike seat with you
if it can be removed and be sure both tires are securely locked.
- Engrave a driver's
license number on your bike frame so that it can be traced back to you
if something happens.
- Register your bike
with Rutgers University Police Department on your campus, and keep a
record of your bike's description - make, model, serial number,
registration number, and special equipment.
Personal
Safety:
- If you are leaving
a university building after dark, try to leave with someone you know and
trust who can walk with you to your designation.
- If you plan to work
in a building after normal business hours and you are concerned about
being alone, do not hesitate to call the Rutgers University Police
Department on your campus to let them know where you will be and what
time you anticipate leaving.
- Try to use the ATM
machines during daylight hours, but if you must get cash at night, try
to have someone with you. Try to inspect the ATM area before you enter
to make your transaction.
- Avoid carrying
large sums of money in your wallet or handbag.
- If you must have a
large amount of cash with you, avoid situations where someone might
become aware that you do.
- For persons
carrying shoulder strap handbags, wear the strap across your chest
rather than over your shoulder. It will be more difficult for someone to
snatch your handbag from you.
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