Safety Precautions /Risk Reduction
The following suggestions are examples of things you can do to lessen your risk of being a victim of a crime. However, they are not prevention strategies–for more information on violence prevention, please click here.
Remember—you are never to blame for a crime that was committed against you.
- Never leave valuables (purse, wallet, phone, laptop, backpack, etc.) unattended or in plain view
- Make copies of important cards, documents, etc. and keep them in a safe place (such as a safety deposit box)
- Do not keep PIN numbers and passwords in your wallet or near your phone/computer (try to avoid writing them down if at all possible)
- If something is stolen from you, immediately report it to the local police (RUPD if you are on campus). Call the credit card company, phone company, etc. to report stolen items as well.
- Be mindful of your surroundings–lock your doors and windows, don’t leave exterior building doors propped open, don’t let strangers into your residence, etc.
- Always secure your bike to a bike rack, and use a good quality “U” bolt-locking device.
- Engrave a driver’s license number on your bike frame so that it can be traced back to you if something happens.
- Register your bike with Rutgers University Police Department on your campus, and keep a record of your bike’s description – make, model, serial number, registration number, and special equipment.
- If you are leaving a university building after dark, try to leave with someone you know and trust who can walk with you to your designation.
- If you plan to work in a building after normal business hours and you are concerned about being alone, do not hesitate to call the Rutgers University Police Department on your campus to let them know where you will be and what time you anticipate leaving.
- Try to use the ATM machines during daylight hours, but if you must get cash at night, try to have someone with you. Try to inspect the ATM area before you enter to make your transaction.
