Home and Residence Crime Prevention Tips
Security, 5/1/2012
Home Crime Prevention Tips
Crime Prevention Tips for Students:
During breaks and between semesters, many students will be leaving their residence hall, apartment or home for an extended period of time. Here are some helpful tips to remember before leaving.
- Make sure all doors and windows are properly secured.
- When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.
- Consider taking all items of "high value" back to your primary residence; money, jewelry, TV, VCR, stereo, computer.
- If you choose to leave items of "high value," make sure that you have recorded the serial numbers. It is recommended that you mark or engrave your property with your driver’s license, so that it can be identified as your property.
- Large displays of valuables should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home.
- Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer.
- Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.
- Check with your local police department to see if they provide "close patrol" services for unattended residences.
If you leave your vehicle parked on campus or at your residence during breaks, remember to:
- Park your vehicle in an area that is visible to the public and well lit at night.
- Secure all doors and windows
- Remove all valuables or secure them out of sight.
- If your vehicle has a built-in security, use it.
- When leaving for a holiday or vacation, do not pack your car the night before. It only makes a more attractive target for a thief.
Crime Prevention Tips for the Workplace:
Thieves do not take vacations, so you should always be vigilant.Here are some helpful hints to consider before leaving the workplace at R-MWC:
- All inner office doors and building exterior doors should be closed and locked. Do not prop open an exterior door if working after hours during the break.
- Personnel working should be aware of their personal safety. Let someone know where you are and when you are expected to return, if you leave for any reason.
- All portable equipment, tools, and PC computers should be secured or locked away.
- Close and secure all windows. An unlocked window makes easy access to the rest of the building.
- All valuable personal items should be taken home or securely locked away.
- Report any suspicious activity or unauthorized personnel immediately to the Campus Safety & Security Department by dialing 4444 from any campus phone. If you cannot reach a telephone, use one of the emergency phones located throughout campus, or use your cellular telephone and dial (434) 947-8000 to request assistance.
Crime Prevention Tips While Shopping:
- Stay alert to your surroundings and the people around you.
- Shop with a friend, there is safety in numbers.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- Pay for purchases with a check, credit or debit card.
- If possible, carry only your driver’s license, personal checks, or necessary credit or debit cards.
- If you must carry a purse, do not wrap the straps around your arms or shoulders. Carry a clutch purse tightly under your arm or wear a fanny pack.
- Do not carry a wallet in a back pocket. It should be placed in a front pocket of your pants for safety.
- Be alert that crooks look for the “high dollar” shopping bags with your purchases. When possible, slip bags/purchases in a plain nondescript bag.
- Watch purchases while eating in mall food courts; bags can easily be switched or taken.
- Educate your children about what to do if they are lost as well as “Stranger Danger”.
- Don’t overburden yourself with too many packages.
