For many of you living on campus this is your first extended time away from home. The residence halls will quickly feel like home -- but you have to remember that you are not home.
Each of you will doubtless bring various items of your personal property, from cash and credit cards to iPod's to personal computers, all of which are easy targets for a criminal. Most of the crimes that occur in the residence halls throughout the nation are thefts of personal property. At Central we find that in almost every case the victim's room is unlocked and unoccupied at the time of the theft.
Here are some helpful hints to help you reduce the chances of becoming the "victim of a crime":
Do not prop open any exterior locked residence hall door. Even though propping the doors makes it easier for you to get back into the residence halls, you also have made it easier for unauthorized people to enter the building. You don’t know whom you may be letting in, so for the safety of you and others in the residence halls, do not prop open any exterior doors!
Lock your door when you leave and take your keys with you, no matter how long you will be gone-even when you go to the bathroom. It only takes a few seconds to be "ripped off".
Lock your door when you and/or your roommate are sleeping.
Do not leave notes on your door telling the world that no one is in or when you will return. It's an open invitation for theft.
Keep wallets, purses, checkbooks and jewelry out of sight and locked up if possible. Do not keep large sums of money on hand, and routinely check your checkbook to see if any checks are missing.
Keep a record of all your valuable items, noting description, serial number and approximate value of the items. In some cases you should consider taking pictures of them. These records should be kept in a secure location.
Check with your parents' insurance company to see if your property is covered under their homeowner's policy while you're living at school.
Do not loan your room key, curfew key, or access control care to anyone. Do not attach your keys to your University ID. It's another invitation for theft.
Do not allow strangers into your room.
Do not open your door unless you know who is on the other side, especially at night.
Do not allow door-to-door salespeople to enter the residence hall or your room. Central Connecticut State University policy prohibits soliciting in any building without prior written approval from the University.
Report any suspicious person or activity to the University Police, 832-2375.
Even though the University provides police services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, we are asking for your help.
Personal Safety
Personal safety is foremost a personal responsibility. An essential fact to remember on the topic of personal safety is the importance of being aware of your surroundings. Ask yourself, "Am I increasing the chances that I may become a victim of crime?"
Personal crime prevention starts with the use of your common senses, easily ignored in our busy everyday lives. The following personal safety tips are nothing new, but it is important to be reminded of them from time to time. Remember that crime happens during the day as well as at night.
Do not walk alone! Use the buddy system.
Do not walk in dimly lit areas or take risky short cuts. Use well-traveled and well-lit areas.
Do not jog alone-run with a partner. It's more fun and it's safer.
Do not carry large sums of money or flash money around. Money attracts attention.
Do not wear walkman-type earphones, especially at night, while walking or driving. They can prevent you from hearing what is going on around you.
If you feel that you're being followed or you sense something wrong, change direction or cross the street and head for a well-lit area, any occupied building or to an emergency phone where you will be in direct contact with the police dispatcher on campus.
If you are threatened scream "FIRE" and not the word "help." In today's society the word "fire" attracts more attention. Remember the criminal does not like noise or attention.
Don't overload yourself with excessive books and/or other personal items when walking.
Carry your purse close to your body and have the flap against your body. If a purse/wallet snatcher or mugger confronts you do not resist. Money, credit cards and other items may easily be replaced. You cannot. You should record all credit card account numbers and keep them in a safe place.