Crime Prevention Tips

Crime prevention is everyone's job on campus. Campuses with active campus crime prevention programs have reported dramatic reductions in crime. Crime hurts all of us. If you see something suspicious or unusual, report it.

Take time to learn about crime prevention and safety – for yourself and your fellow community members. 

Department of Public Safety staff will provide educational programs on a variety of topics including crime prevention, safe driving and alcohol laws, emergency communication, and others upon request. Training requests may be made via the form available through this link.

Crime Prevention and Safety Tips

The Basics of Personal Safety

• The blue phones around campus are resources for immediate information beyond emergencies. Use the phones to report concerning or threatening behavior, or to get directions or access to campus resources.
• Wherever you are, be alert. Avoid distractions like your phone. Keep your head up so you know who is ahead, beside, and behind you. Keep your earbuds at a reasonable volume so you can hear others approaching.
• Walk with purpose. Make quick eye contact with those around you. Both of these actions communicate you are an aware, calm, and confident individual.
• Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a place or situation, leave as quickly as you can.
• Remember: crime knows no boundaries. Maintain situational awareness even when you are on or near University property.

Walking Smart

• Plan the safest route to your destination and use it. Use public walkways, avoid shortcuts and dark or secluded places.
• Take care and watch out for each other. If you go out together with friends, come home with your friends. Don't walk alone at night. 
• Learn the neighborhood. Take notice of which stores are open, the type of street lighting, and the locations of blue light phones as that information may be important should you need help later.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Leave valuables secured at home. Jewelry, credit cards you do not use and important documents like your Social Security card should not be in your wallet.
• Consider carrying a personal alarm.
• Take advantage of the Lyft Flyer Ride service to get home. If you use a different car service, make sure vehicles are appropriately marked, and verify information from the car service app, such as text messages and license plates. If they don't check out, don't get into the car.  

Elevator Sense

• Familiarize yourself with the emergency buttons and phones of the elevators you frequently ride. Always keep the buttons within reach.
• Exit the elevator if someone who makes you uncomfortable enters. Do not board the elevator with someone who makes you feel uneasy.
• If someone attempts to harm you on an elevator, hit the alarm button and as many floor buttons as possible.

Jogging, Biking and Other Outdoor Activities

• Go with a friend. It's more fun and safer, too!
• Choose your route in advance and vary it. Avoid traveling the same route at the same time of day.
• Avoid isolated areas. Try to schedule your activities with others and where others are present.

Vehicular Safety

• Always lock your vehicle doors, even when driving. Do not place valuables in the seat next to you in plain view. Keep items in your trunk.
• Consider using a steering wheel lock. 
• Have your key in hand when approaching your vehicle to allow for quick access. Remember to look into the back seat area before entering.
• Park in well-lit areas visible to other people. 
• Keep an eye on your gas gauge. Make sure you have enough to reach your destination and return.
• Consider a roadside service membership to assist you should you have car trouble.

Bus Rider Safety

• Use well-lit, busy bus stops. Wait with others when possible.
• Sit near the front of the bus, close to the driver.
• Stay awake while riding the bus and remain alert to your surroundings.
• If someone harasses you, tell them firmly and loudly, "Leave me alone!" Report persistent person to the driver.
• As you prepare to exit the bus, take note of the others exiting with you. If anyone makes you uneasy, consider remaining on the bus; if necessary, ask the driver for assistance.
• As you exit the bus, if you encounter anyone who makes you feel unsafe, walk directly to a place where there are other people. 

Safety at Home and Around Campus

• Theft is the most common crime reported on campus. The best prevention is to secure your room, your house and your property by locking your doors, windows and cars. 
• Always keep your door locked - day or night. NEVER let strangers in.
• Never lend your keys or leave your door unlocked for a friend.
• Don't bring valuables to campus. Leave them at home where they are most safe.
• Keep cash and other small valuables out of sight.
• Don't prop open exterior doors. You could be letting in an intruder. The doors are locked for your safety!
• Don't leave your books unattended.
• Always lock your bike to a fixed object. Use a high security bicycle lock for the best protection. We recommend a U-lock.
• For gatherings at your house, make sure you actually know who is in attendance.  Have a few friends committed to being "sober monitors" who are not drinking. They can monitor noise levels and guests' behavior, ask strangers and troublesome guests to leave, and when necessary, call the police. 
• Tap into UD's resources for mental health, violence prevention, sexual assault and harassment, racism, bias and other concerns. Tell your friends about these resources. 

     Mental Health Promotion & Suicide Prevention | Sexual Violence Prevention |                     Sexual Assault and Harassment | Bias Incident Response  

• If you see or hear concerning or threatening behavior, or know of a student in distress, contact the Dean of Students' office at Report a Concern. Multiple campus units work closely together to respond quickly with appropriate support and intervention. If it's an immediate campus safety issue, call Public Safety at 937-229-2121.   
• Be a partner in keeping campus safe. Make a point to meet the UDPD community engagement officers and the UD police officers patrolling campus and the student neighborhoods. 

The tips shared above have been condensed into brochures to make them portable, printable, and shareable. The brochures, linked here, make a perfect handout for your next training or meeting.