Police Department

Safety Tips

PROTECTING YOURSELF AT HOME, IN YOUR ROOM, DORM OR APARTMENT

Lock your door, even when you intend to return home shortly or even if you are just going down the hall.
Participate in Operation I.D.
Lock or secure doors and windows.
Keep emergency numbers by your phone.
Do not leave messages on your door indicating that you are away and when you will return.
Do not prop open outer doors.
If someone asks to use your phone for an emergency call, offer to telephone for them instead of allowing them access.
Follow all fire safety regulations.
Do not put your address on your key ring.
Know your neighbors.
Do not leave keys in hiding places. Carry your keys or make sure that anyone who truly needs them has their own copy.
Call 259-5555 to report suspicious persons or activity in or around your neighborhood. Off campus, call 911.
Keep ATM/debit cards in a safe place, keep your PIN number secret.
Instead of carrying large sums of cash use a charge card. Some charge cards insure property purchased with those cards against loss, theft or damage.
If you find yourself in immediate danger, on campus, call 259-5555 or off campus, call 911.

PROTECT YOURSELF WHEN WALKING

Utilize the VSUPD Escort Program on campus.
Keep to well lit, commonly traveled routes.
Know the location of the emergency phones.
Avoid potentially dangerous situations.
If you feel threatened, locate an emergency phone, or enter a building, store, or place of business.

PROTECT YOUR AUTO, BICYCLE OR MOPED

Always lock your car.
Lock bikes to bike racks with hardened-alloy locks and chains or u-shaped locks.
Join the B.A.T. (Bicycle Anti-Theft) Program
Do not leave tempting valuables or property visible inside the car.
Lock mopeds as you would bikes.