Crime Prevention

Crime Prevention Tips

By using the following crime prevention tips you can greatly reduce criminal incidents at home and on campus:

• Call the police/security immediately if you see or hear something suspicious.
• In an emergency, or when a crime is in progress, call (505) 224-3001 or dial 911.
• Keep your possessions in sight at all times. Don't leave books or backpacks unattended.
• Do not take wallets, money, and jewelry into athletic facilities and store them in lockers, which thieves target.
• Mark your property. Place marks inside books and on other valuable items for easier identification.
• Be aware of your surroundings, other people around you, and places where someone could be hiding.
• Be alert to potential danger. If something doesn't look or feel right, trust your instincts and leave.
• If you are working late or have a late class, call security or ask a co-worker or classmate for an escort to your vehicle.

If You Are a Victim of a Crime

• Don't panic or show signs of anger and fear. Remaining calm is your best alternative.
• Don't get into a power struggle over your personal valuables. It is not worth the risk of serious injury or death.
• Try to get a good description of your aggressor, starting from the top down or bottom up, including: age, race, complexion, build, height, weight, and clothing type and color.
• Call the police/security immediately when you can safely do so.
• Call (505) 224-3001 or dial 911. Identify yourself and your location, and let them know if you need medical attention.

Personal Safety

Two key fundamentals of personal safety are:

Awareness

Be alert. Know who or what is around you. Present a calm and confident image. Make brief eye contact with people around you. If a situation makes you uncomfortable, leave as quickly as possible.

Having a Plan

If you have a plan you can react appropriately to the threat at hand. Keep your plan simple, and once you have a plan, COMMIT yourself to it. And remember: if FLIGHT is an option, it is ALWAYS the best option.

Increase Your Personal Safety

Walking, Jogging, and Biking

• Carry a cell phone.
• Travel with a friend whenever possible.
• Remain alert.
• Keep your head up. Make brief eye contact with everyone you meet.
• Use public walkways and avoid shortcuts, especially at night.
• Be aware of places along your route that could conceal a criminal (shrubbery, building recesses, etc.)
• Make sure someone knows when you leave and when to expect you back.
• Vary your route and schedule.
• Don't wear headphones. They can distract you from potential threats to your safety.
• Use a fanny pack to store personal items. Do not carry or wear flashy jewelry or lots of cash.
• If you think you are being followed, cross the street. Head for a well-populated and well-lit area at night.
• Wear clothing that will allow you maximum mobility if it is necessary to run. Be prepared to drop your valuables (heavy books, packages, etc.) since these can slow you down.

Vehicles

• Carry a cell phone.
• Keep your car in good running condition to avoid breakdowns.
• Keep at least a half tank of gas in your car at all times.
• Drive with your car doors locked and windows rolled up.
• Never give rides to hitchhikers.
• Lock valuables in the trunk of your car.
• Don't leave mail in your vehicle with address labels visible, as someone could learn where you live.
• If someone is following you, especially at night, drive to the nearest police or fire station, open gas station, or other business. Choose a well-lit area. Turn on your flashers and honk your horn to attract the attention of others.
• Before exiting your car, look around to see if there are any threats to your safety.
• Park in well-lit, heavily traveled areas if possible. If you know you will be staying late, park near lights in the morning. If there are no spaces near lights, move your car to a better location at noon or when other employees begin to leave for the day.
• Upon approaching your car, look for potential threats to your safety. Look alongside, around, and underneath your car. Check the interior before you open the car door for someone who may be hiding inside.
• If you observe someone or think someone is in your car, do not approach. Instead, leave as quickly as you can and call the police.

Buses

• Remain alert.
• Travel with a friend whenever possible.
• Look for bus stops that are frequently used, well-lit, and near an open business.
• Try to sit near the driver if possible.
• Be aware of who gets on or off a bus with you. If you feel uncomfortable, head for a place of safety (open business, etc.)
• If you are verbally or physically harassed, attract attention: scream, talk loudly, or use a whistle or personal panic alarm.

Elevators

• Have a plan if you are threatened. Know escape routes from the floor you are on.
• Never get on an elevator with anyone who makes you feel uneasy. If you are already on an elevator and someone entering makes you uneasy, get off.
• When others get on an elevator with you, wait for them to push their floor buttons first.
• If you notice that a person in the elevator has not pushed a floor button, do not get off at your floor. Instead, go to the main floor and seek out a place of safety. Report the suspicious activity to the police.
• Always try to stay in front of the elevator control panel. If your safety is threatened push the button for the next floor(s). With the doors opening sooner or at several floors, your opportunity to escape and seek help increases.

Automated Teller Machines

• Never write your PIN on your card or on a piece of paper in your wallet. Instead, commit the number to memory.
• Position your body directly in front of the ATM to prevent someone from observing your PIN as you enter it.
• Promptly pocket your cash and always take your receipt when your transaction is complete.
• If you suspect someone is following you, head directly for a place of safety.
• Avoid using ATMs at night. Look for businesses with an ATM inside. These locations offer increased safety.
• If you must use an ATM at night, make sure you have a friend with you. Be especially aware of your surroundings and alert to potential threats to your safety (cars or vans parked near the machine, people loitering, etc.)