Know What Thieves Are After: 

• Cash, Checks, and Credit Cards - they especially like to steal money because it's easy to get rid of the evidence. Books - an expense that thieves can easily avoid by "finding" books left lying around. Stolen books are also an easy source for cash. 
• Tape Decks, TVs, Stereos, and CD Players - either for their own use or to be sold for cash. 
  Bikes - a great way for thieves to get around campus quickly and cheaply, especially if they're free. 
• Some thieves also steal school property. Part of that cost is passed on to you in the form of increased fees and tuition.

Know Where Thieves Like to Strike: 

• Residence Halls - where most students keep their possessions and valuables. 
• Libraries - where students lost in their studies make great targets for theft of books, bags, wallets, and other valuable possessions. 
• Athletic Facilities - where people leave personal possessions in locker rooms and unlocked lockers. 
• Parking Lots filled with cars that are often left unwatched for days. 

Most thieves aren't likely to stand out because most of them are students.

Dorm Room and Apartment Tips 

• Keep Doors Locked at all times, even if you're inside the room sleeping, or leaving for only a few seconds. Lock the windows, too. 
• Avoid Leaving a Note that says you're not in; it's like a welcome mat for thieves. 
• Report Broken Locks, doors, windows, and lights to maintenance, landlord, or resident director. Make sure they are promptly repaired or replaced. 
• Draw Curtains or Shades at night, whether you're home or not. 
• Keep Money and Jewelry locked in a safe place. Always keep your valuables out of sight. 
• Don't Hide a Spare Key outside your room or leave your key unattended. Never loan keys or ID to anyone, even to your friends. 
• Leave a Light ON while you're away so your room will look occupied and you won't return to a dark room. 
• Make a Record of your valuables (including serial numbers) and keep it in a safe spot. 
• Never Leave a Door Open, because anyone could walk in, for any reason. Take your valuables with you or lock them in a safe place when you leave for any vacation.

Play It Safe If You Come Back to Your Dorm or Apartment and Suspect Theft: 

• Stay Out - go next door and call campus police. 
• Leave Everything as You Find It - don't remove or destroy evidence. 
• Try to Avoid Meeting the Thief - if he or she is still around. 
• Report all Stolen Items Each situation is different; if you are awakened by a thief, it may be best to pretend you're still asleep. But, if you sense you're in immediate danger, get out.

If a Theft Occurs While You're Home: 

• Cooperate - your belongings can be replaced; you can't. 
• Concentrate on the Thief's Appearance - so you can give police a detailed description later. 
• Stay Calm - if at all possible.

Fire Hazards 

• Smoking Materials - Carelessness with cigarettes, matches, etc., account for many residence hall fires. 
• Flame - Candles can be dangerous. Leaving them burning unattended or too close to combustible materials can lead to fires. 
• Decorations - Some decorations ignite easily and allow a fire to spread rapidly. 
• Appliances - Special hazards include hot plates, electric blankets, irons, toaster ovens, hair dryers, and portable heaters. 
• Trash - Accumulations of trash and newspapers are a fire hazard. 
• Flammable Liquids - Common materials like paint, paint removers, hair spray, and duplicator fluid can be a fire hazard if they are stored or handled improperly. 
• Furniture - A cigarette or incense that falls on an overstuffed chair or mattress can smolder for hours, then suddenly burst into flames. Never use an appliance that is prohibited.

Preventing Fires 

• Smoke only where permitted - never in bed, when drowsy, or near flammable liquids. 
• Do Your Housekeeping properly. Don't pile anything on radiators. Store trash away from heat. Empty waste baskets often, and keep possessions and trash away from exits. 
• Use Appliances Carefully - according to instructions. Don't leave heat producing appliances unattended, and unplug them when not in use. Let them cool before storing. Never plug heavy appliances into lighter extension cords, and always unplug all your appliances when leaving on vacation.

Where You Live 

• Keep your doors locked when you're alone. 
• Don't let strangers in. 
• Don't leave door unlocked for someone who is planning to come in later.

On the Street 

• Dress for movement, and don't weigh yourself down with a large purse or bag. 
• Don't give information or directions to strangers.

Using Public Transportation 

• Try to avoid isolated train or bus stops and times when few other people are around. 
• Stay away from the curb until the bus arrives. 
• If possible, sit near the driver, and notify him/her of any problems.

In a Car 

• Keep doors locked while driving. 
• Don't pick up hitchhikers. 
• Park in well-lighted areas if possible. 
• Check the back seat and around the car before getting in. 

Don't Be a Walking Target 

• Always Walk In Groups of two or more, especially at night! 
• Wear Comfortable Clothes and shoes that will allow easy movement, in case you need to move quickly! 
• Plan Where You Are Going - be sure to stay in well-lit, well-traveled areas. Be alert to your surroundings and watch for possible hiding places. 
• Carry Only Necessary Cash and credit cards, and avoid wearing expensive jewelry. But, always carry enough money for an emergency phone call or ride home. 
• Walk Confidently and have your key ready as you approach your door. Try not to look like a victim! 
• Trust Your Instincts - if someone doesn't look right to you or makes you uneasy, get away fast! Immediately report them to campus police. 
  
  

Crime Prevention Tips From: The National Crime Prevention Council 1700 K Street, NW, Second Floor, Washington, DC 20006 Phone (202) 466-6272 Fax (202) 296-1356