Protecting Your Valuables

Some steps you can take to protect yourself and your property are:

• Lock your room when sleeping and when you leave your room.
• Never prop open any of the entrance or exit doors of a residence hall.
• Make a list of serial numbers, brand names, models, and descriptions of your valuable items, and call the police department to schedule an officer to engrave the items.
• Never leave your wallet, checkbook, or keys lying on top of your desk.
• Keep valuables hidden.
• Report lost room keys to your resident director.
• Report any theft to the Police department immediately.

Protecting Yourself

Knowledge is the best weapon you can possess to avoid becoming a victim of a crime. Criminals are opportunists who take advantage of any occasion to enrich themselves. If no opportunity is offered, the criminal will seek greener pastures elsewhere. Learn how to avoid becoming a victim. Here are some tips for protecting yourself and your property.

In The Residence Halls

• Keep your door locked at all times.
• Do not leave valuables openly lying around in your room.
• Mark all your valuables so that they may be identified if they are stolen and recovered.
• Keep locked access doors and windows closed. Propping open a locked door or window invites unwanted visitors.
• Know the emergency evacuation routes.
• Know the emergency telephone numbers. Numbers are posted at various campus sites. Remember that the Bridgewater State College campus has a 911 emergency telephone system campus wide.

Do not give your phone number out indiscriminately. This invites unwanted phone calls. Report any obscene calls to the Police Department.

Around Campus

• Do not leave personal property in public areas. Purses, textbooks and other items not being monitored by the owner are an invitation to a thief.
• Keep a good grip on your purse. Avoid purse snatchers by taking away the opportunity.
• Carry only what you need with you. Do not carry large amounts of cash, large numbers of credit cards or valuables.
• Keep your distance from anyone who triggers a suspicion in your mind. Avoid invitations for a "ride" from someone you do not know.
• Walk with friends at night; do not walk alone.
• Stay alert to your surroundings when walking at night. Walk briskly to your destination.
• Immediately report any suspicious activity to the Police Department.

If You Are Approached

• If you suspect an attack, stay calm. Panic can be more of an enemy than the suspicion of an attack. Appearing confident is your best weapon. Keep your distance if possible. If you think there will be an attack, run to lights, people and open areas, not into a dark corner.
• If attacked you must decide if it is better to be passive or to resist. If you resist, scream loudly and continue to scream until help arrives or the attacker runs. Struggle, hit, scratch, kick or throw things. Do not allow the attacker to take you to a less public place where you will have less chance of attracting attention.
• If you are held up by a person with a weapon, it is a situation different from a personal attack. Do not resist; hand over your valuables.
• Report any assault or attempted assault immediately to the nearest Police Officer or college official. Remember the individual's appearance, size, build, clothing, etc.

Protecting Your Car

• Drive your car with the doors locked.
• Do not give a ride to anyone you do not know.
• Park in assigned areas on campus. These areas are heavily patrolled day and night.
• Roll your windows all the way up and lock your doors when you leave your car.
• Do not leave any item of value where it can be seen through the car windows.
• When parking on campus, check your car every day. Immediately report any vandalism or theft.

Last Modified: January 18, 2006