Keep your car/bicycle safe

General Tips
During hours of darkness

Park in well-lit, heavily populated areas. Trust your instincts, if something doesn't feel right, find another place to park.
Avoid parking next to occupied vehicles.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Take note of emergency/pay phones near where you have parked in case you need to use them.

Do not leave valuable items visible in your car.
Always roll up all windows and lock all doors when leaving your vehicle.

Before Entering Your Vehicle
During hours of darkness

Walk with others to your vehicle whenever possible.
If someone looks suspicious, leave the area immediately, do not try to go to your vehicle. Contact Campus Security

Carry vehicle key on separate ring from house keys
Have your keys in hand when you approach your vehicle.
Look around your vehicle before approaching.
Check the back seat of your vehicle before entering.
Upon entering your vehicle immediately lock all doors.

While Driving

Never pick up hitchhikers or troubled motorists. If you want to help a troubled motorist, drive to the nearest phone and call police.
While driving, if you notice that you are being followed, do not go home. Drive to the nearest police station, open store, or service station for help. If you are fearful of exiting your vehicle, blow your horn to draw attention to yourself.
Report all attempted vehicle thefts to Campus Security (if on campus) or your local police station. This information will assist police in catching the suspects before they make another attempt.

If You Are Approached For Your Vehicle (Carjacking)

While this is a highly personal decision, we strongly recommend that you give up your keys immediately, and without protest. Avoid getting into the vehicle with the suspects if at all possible. If you do have to surrender your vehicle note the following:

The race, sex, approximate height, and clothing of the suspect(s.)
The direction that the suspects went.
If they had weapons, and if so, what type.

Report this information immediately to Campus Security or the police.

Bicycle Safety

Bicycles are a major theft item on campus. To protect your bicycle and reduce the likelihood of its theft use the following guidelines:

Use a U-Lock or other high end security device.
Lock both wheels and the frame to a bicycle parking rack.
Do not leave bicycles out overnight.
Lock bike in a well lit, well traveled area.
Keep a copy of the bike's serial number to aid in identification and recovery in the event of theft