Campus Safety Tips

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Residence Hall Safety Tips

While thefts, robberies and other unlawful activity continue at a relatively low level, adhering to basic crime prevention advice will help you reduce risk to yourself and also discourage those who commit crime.

  • First, when entering your residence hall or building area, please respect access code rules; do not let strangers or unauthorized people into controlled areas.
  • Second, make sure that you lock your door and windows when you leave your room. Even if you are only going to the restroom, or are visiting a friend down the hall, you still should keep your door locked.
  • Third, report all suspicious persons and activities to the Campus Police by dialing 617-989-4444.

Room/Suite Precautions

  • Always lock your door behind you whenever you leave your room – even if it is just to go to the restroom.
  • Close and lock your windows whenever you leave your room. Burglars have been known to break into a room by walking out onto the ledge.
  • IF YOUR WINDOW OR DOOR LOCKS DO NOT WORK, CALL THE HOUSING OFFICE OR PHYSICAL PLANT DEPARTMENT IMMEDIATELY.
  • REPORT ALL SUSPICIOUS PERSONS AND ACTIVITIES TO WIT PD AT 617-989-4444.
  • Keep your valuables, purse or wallet out of plain view from windows.
  • Have your keys ready and enter your dorm room/suite as quickly as possible when returning home.
  • Keep your curtains and blinds closed at night.
  • Do not hide door keys outside and do not loan keys to any one, even friends.
  • If you hear a prowler inside your dorm room or suite, get out immediately, if possible, through a back door or window. Avoid any confrontation with the prowler.
  • Positively identify anyone at your front door before opening the door.
  • Respect access code rules; do not let strangers into controlled areas.
  • If a stranger asks to use your phone, get information and place the call for him or her. Do not allow any stranger into your residence.
  • Do not tape or put any objects in your door jam. You may forget that you’ve done so and leave your room vulnerable to theft.
  • If you have expensive equipment (computers, stereos, etc.), engrave them with your Massachusetts ID or Drivers License number. You can have your belongings engraved by the Wentworth Police Department for free: call (617) 989-4400 for details.
  • Have your computer software properly licensed. Enter the appropriate names of the owner into the computer when installing. Send your registration card into the software company so that there is a record of your purchase.
  • Check your peephole before you open the door. If you can’t see anyone, don’t open your door.
    Report any building safety problems to your RA. or Campus Police immediately.
  • Be alert to your surroundings and the people around you – especially if you are alone or it’s dark.
    Whenever possible, travel with a friend, walk close to the curb, avoid doorways, bushes and alleys where someone could hide.
  • If you carry a purse, your personal safety might depend on not clinging to it. Although a purse snatcher’s intent is to steal the purse, the grabbing and shoving that may take place could result in your being injured.
  • Do not respond to conversation from strangers on the street – continue walking.
    Report all suspicious persons and activities to the Campus Police.

In the Libraries

  • Avoid studying in overly secluded areas. Study with others or in areas where there are other people.
  • Don’t forget to eject your copy-card after you’ve made photocopies.
  • Do not leave your belongings unattended. It only takes a few seconds for a thief to take your belongings.
  • When leaving for the evening, call for an Escort.

On Campus in the Evening

  • Walk with a friend
  • Stay in well-lit, well-populated areas. Take the shortest route.
  • Be aware of your environment. Don’t be afraid to look over your shoulders. It’s not rude to maintain a safe distance between yourself and others.
  • Avoid blind corners. Take wide turns so that you have room to react to what’s ahead of you.
  • Carry your keys in your hands. They may be used as a weapon if necessary.
  • Call for an Escort.

In the Parking Lots

  • Carry keys in your hand. You will be able to get into your car quicker; the keys may be used as a weapon if necessary.
  • Avoid blind corners. Take wide turns so that you have room to react to what’s in front of you.
  • Walk in the center of the aisles when safe do so. You’ll have more reaction time if someone leaps out from behind a car.
  • Walk with confidence. Criminals can often sense when you feel vulnerable, and this may entice them.
  • Check your backseats before getting into your car.
  • Park in a well-lit, well-traveled area of the parking lot.
  • Use a “club” and/or car alarm. They make theft more difficult for the criminal, and less enticing.
  • Do not keep valuables in your car. If you must, keep them in the trunk where they are out of sight. If you have an internal trunk lock, use it.
  • Keep track of your mileage whenever using stacks parking.
  • Take your pullout/removable face stereo with you. Do not put it under the seats, in the glove compartment, or in the trunk, as this is always the first place for criminals to check.

Other Tips

  • Know your limit for alcohol. You are more vulnerable when you don’t have full use of your senses.
  • Always report suspicious persons and activities to the campus police at 617-989-4444.
  • Be aware of your surrounding when using ATMs. Keep track of who’s behind you.
  • When running alone in the evenings, do not wear a Walkman, as this eliminates hearing as a defense mechanism. Try to run with a friend in the evenings, or have them watch you as you run. Keep your keys in your hand while running, as they can be used as a weapon if necessary.
  • Take a self defense workshop, join RAD Systems. For more information contact Public Safety and ask to speak to a RAD Instructor.
  • Always let someone know where you’ll be going and when you can be expected to return.
  • Purchase and use a good lock and helmet for your bike and motorcycle.
  • Register your bike at the Wentworth Police station.