Campus Safety Tips

Always lock your door behind you whenever you leave your room — even if just to go to the restroom.
Close and lock your windows whenever you leave your room. Burglars have been known to break into rooms by walking out onto the ledge.
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.
Keep your backpack in your room when eating in the dining halls. The cubby holes for backpacks are not monitored.
If you have expensive equipment (computers, stereos, etc.) engrave them with your California ID or Driver’s License number. You can borrow the Police Department’s engraver for free; call (310) 825-6111 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.
Purchase a plastic keychain coil that fits around your wrist. You’ll be able to take a shower and keep your keys in your possession.
Check your peephole before you open your door. If you can’t see anyone, don’t open the door.
Report any building safety problems to the R.A. or the front desk.
Call for a C.S.O. escort at (310) 794-WALK, or the Evening Van at (310) 825-9800.

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 all of your belongings.
When leaving for the evening, call for a CSO Escort at (310) 794-WALK, or take the Evening Van at (310) 825-9800.

Walk with a friend.
Stay in well-lit, well-populated areas. Take the safest route, not the fastest 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.
Carry your keys in your hands. They may be used as a weapon if necessary.
Be aware of the location of the nearest blue light emergency (ERS) phones.
Do not fall asleep in isolated areas or if there are unknown persons in the room with you.
Plan ahead. Know where the restrooms, food and water are. Do not wander around campus aimlessly.
Call for a CSO Escort at (310) 794-WALK, or take the Evening Van at (310) 825-9800.

Carry your keys in your hands. You’ll be able to get into your car faster and 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 ahead.
Walk in the center of the aisles when safe to 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 well-lit, well-traveled areas of the parking structure or 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 stack 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 criminals check.
Call for a CSO Escort (794-WALK).

Know your limit for alcohol. You are more vulnerable when you don’t have full use of your senses.
Always report any suspicious activity to the Police. 911 for emergencies, and (310) 825-1491 for non-emergencies.
Be aware of your surroundings when using ATMs (Automated Teller Machines). Keep track of who is behind you.
When working-out at the John Wooden Center, bring a quarter to use the lockers. Use the lockers and don’t bring anything you can’t keep with you.
When running alone, do not wear earphones, 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.
Advise someone of your whereabouts and how long you expect to be out. Inform that person if you end up staying longer than expected. (A text message will suffice; do not post your whereabouts on social networking sites (i.e. Twitter, Facebook, MySpace.)
Consider carrying a whistle
Learn to use and carry mace or pepper spray. Take a self-defense workshop.
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 Police Station.

If you are working late on campus, 15 minutes before you need to leave call the Escort Service at (310) 794-WALK to escort you to the parking lot available daily between dusk until 1a.m.
Consider using the Evening Van Service (safe means of transportation around campus during the evening hours) (310) 825-9800.