Crime Prevention

WALKING

1. Avoid traveling alone after dark
2. Confine walking to well lighted, regularly traveled walks and pathways.
3. Do not hitchhike or accept rides from casual acquaintances.
4. When walking to your vehicle or residence, have your keys ready in your hand.

DRIVING

1. Do not pick up hitchhikers.
2. Travel on well lighted heavily traveled roadways.
3. Keep your vehicle doors and windows locked.
4. If your vehicle breaks down or you need assistance, stay inside your locked vehicle and sound your horn and flash your lights until assistance arrives.

OFFICES AND LABORATORIES

1. Keep all offices and laboratories locked when not in use.
2. Make sure all locking devices are in proper working order.
3. Utilize a key control system.
4. Contact Public Safety for additional information.
5. Do not label keys with their use.
6. Lock all desk, cabinets, etc. when not in use.
7. Secure all office equipment. 

   Contact Public Safety for additional information.

8. Avoid bringing valuable personal property with you.
9. Lock up pocketbooks, wallets and other valuables.
10. Report all suspicious persons to the Department of Public Safety.

RESIDENCE HALLS

1. Keep your doors and windows locked at all times.
2. Do not put your name and address on key rings.
3. Report all lost keys immediately to the Department of Public Safety.
4. Do not open any doors for persons you are unfamiliar with.
5. If you receive obscene or harassing telephone calls, notify the Department of Public Safety.
6. If you find that your room as been entered, do not go inside.  If you are already inside, do not touch anything.  In both instances, notify the Department of Public Safety.
7. If you see a suspicious person or vehicle on campus, obtain a description and license plate number and contact the Department of Public Safety.

Most of the thefts in the residence halls of Fairleigh Dickinson University are larcenies.  Larcenies are crimes of opportunity and occur when property is unlocked and unattended.  To avoid this problem, the Department of Public Safety makes the following suggestions:

1. Avoid bringing large amounts of cash or other valuables to campus or your residency.
2. Keep items of  value out of sight.
3. Never lend the key to your residency.
4. When leaving for vacations and intercessions, take all items of value home with you.
5. Participate in Operation Identification.  Contact Public Safety for additional information.

BICYCLES

1. Invest in a good bicycle lock or strong padlock.
2. Always lock your bicycle.
3. Whenever possible keep your bicycle inside.
4. Participate in Operation Identification.  Contact Public Safety for additional information.

MOTOR VEHICLES

1. Report all suspicious persons or vehicles seen around parking areas to the Department of Public Safety.
2. Always keep your vehicle locked and the windows rolled up tight.
3. Never leave your vehicle running when unattended.
4. When parking, choose a well lighted heavily trafficked area.
5. Packages, luggage, and other valuables should be locked in the trunk.
6. Stereo tape players and CB radios should be mounted either out of sight or with slide-out brackets.
7. When leaving the vehicle parked for extended periods such as intercession, the following precautions can be taken to immobilize it:
   A.  Disconnect the battery and lock it in the trunk.
   B.  Remove the distributor coil wire.
8. Consider the installation of anti theft devices such as alarm systems, hidden ignition switch protectors, steering wheel to brake pedal bar locks, tapered door lock buttons and locks on hoods and accessory items such as gas caps, mag wheels, spare tires, etc.
9. Participate in Operation Identification.  Contact Public Safety for additional information.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Your involvement is essential to the prevention of crime on campus.  The burden of crime prevention rests not only with the Department of Public Safety, but with each member of the Fairleigh Dickinson University community.

The Department of Public Safety is dependent upon you to recognize and report incidents of suspicious and criminal activity.  The extent of your cooperation will greatly influence the Public Safety Department’s effectiveness in combating crime.  Doing your part means:

1. Being aware of your vulnerability and following the suggestions outlined in this pamphlet to protect yourself and your property.
2. Being alert for suspcious of criminal activity and conditions that may represent a hazard to the campus community.
3. Getting involved by becoming more security conscious and by reporting all incidents of criminal or suspicious activity to the Department of Public Safety.

Remember that unreported crimes cannot be solved and by not reporting crimes, you allow the perpetrators an opportunity to commit additional and perhaps more serious crimes.

Many times the solving of crimes depends upon how accurately and promptly the incident is reported.  Therefore, when reporting an incident, it is important that you are able to provide as much of the following  information as possible.

1. Nature of the incident.
2. When and where the incident occurred.
3. Description of persons involved:  names, sex, race, age, height, hair style and color, distinctive characteristics such as facial hair, scars, glasses, clothing, etc.
4. Direction and method of travel.
5. Vehicles involved:  color, type, make, model, license plate number and state, distinctive characteristics such as decals, damage, number of occupants, etc.
6. Description of stolen property:  item, make, model number, serial number, value, color, dimensions, etc.

1. Always lock your doors to the suite and bedroom.
2. Always lock the windows including using the locking bar.
3. Always walk in groups and on well lighted paths or use the on campus escort service.
4. Do not prop open any exterior door.  If you see the door open, remove the object preventing the door from closing.
5. Do not loan your keys or leave them unattended in plain view.
6. Do not keep large sums of money or expensive jewlelry in your room.
7. Never leave items in plain view.
8. Report all suspicious person, vehicles and circumstances immediately.
9. Report any lock problems immediately.
10. Participate in Operation Identification.

We would like to urge you and encourage you to support the Department of Public Safety in our effort to provide a safe and secure environment for all.

Be security conscious and alert at all times.

WORKING TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE THE CAMPUS AND YOUR RESIDENCE HALL SAFE.

The Department of Public Safety would like to inform you of some Safety Tips before you leave the campus for the holidays.

1. Lock all doors, windows, cabinets and closets.
2. If you have any lock problems, broken windows or doors, report them now.
3. Remove any valuables from desktops, window sills and shelves.  Where practical, remove all personal valuable items from your office.
4. Unplug electrical appliances, coffee makers, heaters, etc.  Report any electrical problems now.
5. Remove any stored combustible materials, (newspapers, books, boxes, etc.) from halls, closets and basements.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Department of Public Safety at (201) 692-2222.

WE WISH YOU A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON.

Laptop computers are easy targets for thieves.  Laptop computers are small, valuable, can be removed quickly and are easily hidden.  Because of the cost of the laptop, they can be sold quickly for up to half its value in cash.

Here are a few tips to help reduce the risk of having your laptop stolen.

• Don’t leave your laptop out in the open and unattended.
• Remember that extreme temperatures can cause damage to your laptop.
• Transport your laptop in a nondescript case.
• Write down the serial number and keep it in a safe place.
• Always back up your information on disks and store them in a safe place.

THEFT PREVENTION

• Always lock your doors and windows.
• Never leave items unattended.
• Participate in “Operation Identification” by having your items marked.
• Report suspicious persons, vehicles or circumstances immediately to Public Safety.

If you do experience a theft of your laptop or any other item, please contact Public Safety as soon as possible and make sure a police report is also filed.

Car thieves, like home burglars, generally have an easy time of it.  Their thievery is made simple by car owners who obligingly leave doors unlocked or who leave keys in the ignition.  You can greatly increase your protection against this type of crime by taking the following sensible precautions.

1. Never leave your keys in an unattended card.  Always lock you car.
2. Avoid leaving a car unattended in public parking lots for an extended period of time.  Park in well-lighted and designated areas.
3. Never attach a tag with your name and address to your key ring.
4. Whenever possible, turn wheels sharply toward the curb or in the lot when parking, making it extra difficult for thieves to tow your car.
5. Lock all doors and roll up windows whenever leaving the car unattended.
6. Don’t leave valuable possessions visible in your car.  Remove CD players, GPS, CB radios and antennas when possible.  Secure them in your trunk.
7. With an electric engraver mark your driver’s license number on your CD players, GPS and CB’s.  Participate in “Operation Identification.”
8. Never leave the car registration or your driver’s license inside the car.  Carry these items in your wallet.  If you don’t, thieves will be able to produce legitimate documents when stopped by Police.
9. Install non-flared door locking buttons to discourage thieves with coat hangers.
10. Consider the purchase and installation of security devices such as:
    1. Interior hood lock and release
    2. A second ignition switch or “Kill Switch.”
    3. An alarm device, which will activate a siren, horn or lights, or all three to frighten the thief away before he/she is able to steal your car
    4. A locking gas cap
    5. A fuel switch, which prevents fuel from reaching the carburetor

Report any suspicious activity to the Department of Public Safety immediately.

1. Do not leave purses on your desk in plain view.  Lock them in desk drawer or somewhere out of sight.
2. Personal property should be marked with our Driver’s License number.  Participate in Operation Identification Program.
3. Lock your personal property in your desk, do not leave the reception area unattended.  If you must leave your office unattended, lock the door during your absence.
4. When working alone or after normal business hours, lock the office doors.
5. Report all suspicious persons and activities to Public Safety.
6. Visitors should be escorted to the proper office or remain with the receptionist until someone comes for them.
7. University keys should be kept separate from personal keys.  These keys should be safeguarded at all times.  Do not loan your keys to anyone.  Do not leave them lying around in public places or in your coat or jacket pocket when you are not wearing it.  If you lose them or they are stolen, notify Public Safety immediately.
8. When you leave your office or room, make sure that:
   1. All windows are closed and locked.
   2. All valuable items are under lock and key
   3. All desks and files are locked
   4. All doors are closed and locked

LOCK YOUR DOOR – This is the single best deterrent.

LOCK YOUR DOOR – Even if you are only going to the bathroom or into the room next door.

LOCK YOUR DOOR – Even if it is left open for just ONE minute, the risk is always great.  It takes approximately only eight seconds for someone to walk into an open room and remove something such as a wallet or purse.

KEEP YOUR KEYS – DO NOT loan your keys to anyone – – even a classmate or a friend.  They may not be as careful with them as you are and may lose or misplace them must long enough for the wrong person to gain possession of them.

KEEP YOUR KEYS – DO NOT them lying around in public places or in your coat or jacket pocket when you are not wearing it.  Someone may take the keys, have an impression and duplicate made, and even return them afterwards so that you will not be suspicious and you will not change your locks.

KEEP YOUR KEYS – NEVER let someone else use your key unless you are there.  They may not lock the room upon leaving.

KEEP YOUR KEYS – If you are entrusted with a key to a room or area, then it is incumbent upon you to be most careful of these keys and that property.  Never let anyone else use the keys.  Always be sure the area is locked upon leaving.  It is your responsibility to keep that area and property secure.

KEEP YOUR KEYS – If you lose them or they are stolen and may be identified as yours, notify the Public Safety Department.

Operation Identification is a crime prevention project designed to protect your valuables from theft.  In communities where it has been properly implemented, Operation ID has resulted in dramatic reductions in theft.

OPERATION ID HAS TWO PARTS

1. First, mark your valuables with the Driver’s License Number so your property can be easily traced and identified as yours.
2. Second, register your name.  Display a decal, which tells would-be burglars that your property has been marked.

WHAT MAKES OPERATION ID SO EFFECTIVE?

Marked property is difficult for a burglar to dispose of or re-sell.  It can be traced to the rightful owner with relative ease.  And, if the burglas is caught with the marked property, it is solid evidence of possession of stolen goods.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

At no cost to students, faculty and staff, electric engraving tools and decals are made available.

Your Driver’s License Number should be used as your identifying mark on the valuables, which you engrave.  The number should be engraved on an area that cannot be easily dismantled and keep a copy of the list in a safe place.  If you should become a burglary victim, you will be able to quickly describe the stolen property from the list.  This will be of great help to the Public Safety and Police Department in their attempt to recover stolen possessions.  Once the property has been marked and a list made, display an Operation ID Decal on doors and windows, which might be used for entry.  By advertising your participation in Operation ID in this way, you are announcing that your valuable property has been marked and will be difficult for a burglar to sell.

TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR OPERATION ID

CALL PUBLIC SAFETY AT (201) 692-2227

The following are some general tips on how to deal with any harassing or threatening telephone calls.

• As soon as you hear an obscenity, improper question or no response, hang the telephone up.  Be consistent and hang up each time.
• If you have any concerns about the legitimacy of a person asking for personal information over the telephone, ask the caller for his name, firm name and telephone number.  Say that you will call back after you verify the authenticity of the call.
• Never extend the call trying to figure out who is calling.  This or any type of reaction is exactly what the caller wants.
• Never leave a message on your voicemail or answering machine that says “I am out of the office”, “I am not at home at the present time” or “I am away for the weekend.”  Refrain from using names or giving out the telephone number.  If the call is a prank, you have now given the caller a name and a return telephone number.  The following are some suggestions of messages:  “Your message is important to me, please leave your name and number”, “I am glad you called.  Please leave your name and number.” “I am not available at the present time, but will return your call as soon as possible”.
• The majority of obscene or harassing telephone calls are simple pranks, any telephone calls of threats of violence must be taken seriously.  Immediately after receiving a telephone call in which there is a threat of physical harm or violence, report the call to the Department of Public Safety (If the call was received on campus) or to your local police department (If call was received at your home).

The following are the procedures that should always be followed whenever you receive a harassing or threatening call on a University telephone line:

1. Disconnect after the nature of the call has been established.
2. Before another call has been received, pick up the telephone and after hearing the dial tone, dial 107.
3. This will activate the annoyance bureau trace system.  After confirmation, hang up.
4. Accurately record the date, time and details of the call.
5. Call Public Safety and file a written report on the call.
6. There is a $1.00 telephone company charge for the service.
7. On calls of harassment, there is usually a need to trace three calls.
8. Calls of a threatening nature will be handled immediately and the local police will be notified.

The Department of Public Safety is committed to the safety and security of the entire University community.  The primary goal of the escort service is to enable you to travel from one on campus location to another with a  greater sense of security.

The escort service is available during the hours of darkness (dusk to dawn) and only available to any on campus location.

To arrange for an escort, please call (201) 692-2222 or use one of the blue light emergency telephones located throughout the campus.  When calling, please be prepared to give the following information:  Name, exact location and your destination.

Public Safety will not provide any escort for groups of more than two persons and escorts are for safety and security reasons and not convenience.

The escort service will provide you with a walking escort to or from any location on campus.  Riding escorts will only be provided when certain circumstances dictate that need.