Crime Prevention Tips - The Department of Public Safety

Crime Prevention Tips

Lock it or lose it!
Keep your residence hall room locked. The most common campus crime is theft, and most thefts occur when an easy opportunity is provided for the theft.
Remove valuables from your car, lock it, and park it in a well-lighted area. These simple steps will help avoid thefts from your vehicle.
Be security conscious. Engrave your valuables, record important numbers (e.g., credit cards, serial numbers), and don't leave personal property unattended. Do not share your telephone access number with others.

Aware, Alert and Safe

Don't drink and drive. Many campus arrests are alcohol related. Don't drink if you are not of legal age--alcohol laws are enforced on campus. If you are of legal age, get a designated driver -- don't assume the risks that are involved with drinking and driving.
Be alert and stay in control. Don't let the abuse of alcohol or any other substance put you at risk.
Avoid isolated areas when you are alone. Avoid shortcuts and walk with someone when possible.
Avoid any illegal drugs. Convicted drug users who are arrested on campus are facing stiffer penalties and possibly the loss of Federal loans in response to the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988.

Yes, we have bike theft on campus

Recently there has been an increase in the number of bicycle thefts on campus. Bicycles that are stolen usually fall into one of the following catagories:

1. The bicycle is not secured or is "secured to itself"

2. An inferior lock or chain is used to secure the bike – these can be cut.

3. Only the front tire is secured to the rack. The thief steals the frame and back tire by detahing the front tire from the rest of the bicycle leaving you with only the front tire.

To help prevent further thefts, please park your bicycle in a well lighted area. Use the bicycle rack only. Secure your bicycle with a good quality lock and chain. Use the following guidelines when buying locks and chains:

1. Buy the best lock that you can afford A good lock should have at least a 7/16 inch hardened alloy steel shackle and a double locking system.

2. Buy a padlock that is key operated. Avoid a pin-tumbler locks or combination locks that have a spin dial.

3. Buy the heaviest chain that you can carry. A 3/8 inch (or greater) steel alloy with links that are welded together are the best.

4. "U-Bolt" locks are good for bikes that have quick release wheels. Remove the front tire, place it with the rear wheel. Then secure the bike frame and the wheels to the bike rack.

The Crime Prevention Unit at the University of Iowa Department of Public Safety encourages you to register your bike at the Parking Department located in the lower level of the I.M.U. ramp or by talking to any D.P.S. officer. Protect your property by taking advantage of this service. It's free and it doesn't take much time.

UNAUTHORIZED SOLICITATIONS/FRAUD

The following are suggestions for students if approached by magazine, (or any other) salesman on campus:

Unauthorized solicitation is against U. of I policy, therefore ,you should not be approached by people trying to sell you things like magazines etc.
Ignore the person and walk away.
Go to a safe location and report the incident to DPS.
If the person tries to "pressure" you in to buying something and you feel threatened or like they won't take "no" for an answer, tell them that you are late for class, but if they are there in 45 min. you will stop back and purchase a subscription (or whatever) from them.
Go to a phone and report it to DPS try to remember what the person looks like and the location so responding officers are able to identify the suspect.
If this does not work and they are still "pressuring" you, yell for help, go to a Blue Cap, dial 911 on a cell phone, get away from the person, do anything you can to insure your safety.
Salesman might try to tell you they are taking a "survey"- DO NOT give out any personal information such as name, phone number, address, or social security number. If you have to, give them a false name and information.
REMEMBER if it seems to good to be true it probably is.
If they call you on the phone, hang up. If they persist, try to get a phone number where you can call them back and their name and tell them to stop calling you. If they still persist, harassment charges may be able to be filed, phone DPS if you live on campus.