Campus Crime Prevention Tips

BY JANE HURST

These days, we are hearing more and more about crimes occurring on college campuses. While there does seem to be a higher crime rate on campuses than in the past, you don’t have to be a victim. There are many things you can do that will help to ensure your personal safety, so you can have a safe and happy college experience.

1. Know Your Surroundings – When you first arrive at the college, be sure to get to know your surroundings. Take any tours that are offered, so you can learn the safest walking routes, where to park safely, where emergency telephones are located, etc. The better you know your surroundings, the easier it will be to get help if you need it.
2. Get an Escort – Many colleges offer public safety escort services at any time of the day or night. If you are nervous about walking alone, don’t hesitate to contact the service so you have someone to help make sure you make it home safely. Also, when parking at night, have someone from this service escort you from your car into the building.
3. Lock Your Doors – Whether you are alone in your dorm room, a lab, or another room in the college, if you are alone, lock the doors. Don’t let anyone in the room unless you know who they are, even if they claim to be a school employee. It is a lot better to be safe than sorry.
4. Be Alert – When you are out and about, make sure that you are alert to everything that is going on around you. This means that you should not wear your headphones while you are walking or out for a run. You need to be able to hear if someone is coming up behind you.
5. Go Out with Friends – If you are going to be out at night (evening classes perhaps), make sure that you are not alone. When you use the buddy system, you are making sure that you, and your friends, are going to get home safely. Never walk at night alone. If you or your friends are drunk, don’t let them drive. If necessary, take a cab home. It’s better to stay away from DWI, as it influences your whole live. If you need any help just speak to specialist from Scheiner Law.
6. Get Away – If you do find yourself being followed while you are walking, cross the street, turn and walk the other way, and go to the nearest place where there are people and lots of light. This is going to deter someone who may be following you with the intent to rob you or even worse.
7. Keep Your Stuff Handy – Make sure that your coat, backpack, purse, etc. is always with you, or locked up. If you should happen to set your stuff down somewhere, it is going to be pretty easy for someone to steal it before you even have time to notice or react.
8. Avoid Strangers – When you are out, avoid having contact with strangers, or getting too close to them. There is no reason to talk to strangers, even if they are asking for directions. Do not walk in dark or isolated areas either, because you could end up running into someone that you don’t want to run into.
9. Be Careful at ATM’s – It is important to be very careful when using ATM’s. Never use one alone, or at night. If you notice someone suspicious close by when you are at an ATM, don’t use it. Move on and go to the next machine to get money if you need it that badly.
10. Watch the Campus Alerts – Be sure to read any campus security alerts, and keep up with current news about crime that may be occurring in the community. Being prepared is the best way to protect yourself, and if you know that there is crime happening, you can take steps to avoid it, and to know what to do if you find yourself in an emergency situation.

Byline:

Jane Hurst has been working in education for over 5 years as a teacher. She loves sharing her knowledge with students, is fascinated about edtech and loves reading, a lot. Follow Jane on Twitter.

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