General Practice

Experience has demonstrated that the practice of three basic concepts repeatedly deters criminal activity:

• The appearance that an occupant is present and is attentive to the condition of the property is, in itself, a potent deterrent to would-be criminals.
• Physical security equipment, such as alarms and locks, is worthless unless used.
• The key component in any security system most likely to fail is the human one. Keeping your residence neat and clean, in good repair, and giving the appearance of being home (i.e., being in and out and active inside) is the first fundamental step toward preventing crime there. The second fundamental step toward home crime prevention is to be a good neighbor. Get to know your neighbors and their habits to the extent that you can recognize deviations from normal behavior (and they can do the same for you). Call the police when you observe a stranger behaving in a suspicious manner (loitering and observing, approaching multiple residences without apparent business, or removing property from a neighbor’s residence). A cooperative neighborhood can increase everyone’s collective home security with very little individual effort or time. Another step is to take prompt action to address maintenance problems affecting your security; report burnt-out lights, uncollected trash, graffiti, broken windows, defective security systems, and other conditions that detract from the secure appearance of your residence promptly to the appropriate authorities for correction or repair. Finally, make an effort to cooperate with and support your law enforcement provider. Introduce yourself to the officers who patrol your neighborhood; participate in organized security meetings and programs such as Neighborhood Watch, National Night Out, or Neighborhoods Say Thanks; and ensure that your address is prominently marked on your curb, home, apartment, or room.

Security and Convenience

Security and convenience are mutually exclusive; you can’t change one without affecting the other. Security is never convenient, and convenience usually degrades security. Only you can decide what is the appropriate mix of security and convenience for you.

Some of these decisions are “no-brainers”, whether to have a lock on your entrance doors, for instance. Others are less obvious, and many are counterintuitive.

You have to THINK about security, and security needs to be one of your personal priorities. In University Housing and some rental properties, at least some of these choices have been made for you, and there are consequences should you avoid or defeat the security procedures and devices that have been installed, for your protection.

In a private residence, you and your family can choose to have as much or as little security as you are comfortable with. In any setting, choosing inappropriately can be very costly in terms not only of assets, but also in personal injury. We urge you to give security careful consideration and ensure you make an informed decision.

In Your Car

• Always lock your car and remove valuables from plain sight. Never leave your keys in the car. 
• Park your car in well-lit areas. 
• Keep enough gas in your tank for emergencies. 
• Don’t stop for stranded motorists and don’t offer rides to anyone you do not know.  
• Honk your horn – a good deterrent – if someone suspicious approaches your vehicle. Criminals don’t like attention. 
• Lift the hood, put on the flashers, and wait inside for help with the doors locked if your car breaks down. Ask people who stop to call the police or AAA for you. Don’t accept a ride with anyone you do not know.