Keep your personal safety in mind by being alert and aware of the people around you, especially in locations and situations which would make you vulnerable to crime, such as alleys and dark parking lots. Educate yourself with the prevention tips and tactics below.
• Be alert to your surroundings and the people around you – especially if you are alone or it is dark.
• Whenever possible, travel with a friend.
• Stay in well-lighted areas as much as possible.
• Walk close to the curb. Avoid doorways, bushes, and alleys where someone could hide.
• Walk confidently, at a steady pace.
• Make eye contact with people when walking.
• Do not respond to conversation from strangers on the street – continue walking.
• If you carry a purse, carry it securely between your arm and your body. Although a purse snatcher’s intent is to steal the purse, your personal safety may depend on not clinging to it.
• Always lock car doors after entering or leaving your car.
• Park in well-lighted areas.
• Have your car keys in your hand so you don’t have to linger before entering your car.
• Check the back seat before entering your car.
• If you think you are being followed, drive to a public place or a police or sheriff’s station.
• If your car breaks down, open the hood and attach a white cloth to the car antennae. If someone stops to help, stay in your locked car and ask them to call the police, or sheriff, or a tow trucking service.
• Don’t stop to aid motorists stopped by the side of the road. Go to a phone and request help for them.
• Try to avoid isolated bus stops.
• Don’t open your purse or wallet while boarding the bus—have your pass or money already in your hand.
• Don’t invite trouble—keep gold chains out of sight; don’t flash jewelry; turn your rings around so the stones don’t show.
• During off hours, ride as near to the bus operator as possible.
• Stay alert—and be aware of the people around you.
• If someone bothers you, change seats and/or alert the driver.
• Carry your wallet inside your coat, or in a front pocket.
• Keep your handbag in front of you and hold it close to your body with both hands.
• Check your purse or wallet if someone is jostling, crowding, or pushing you.
• If you see any suspicious activity, alert the driver.
• Never leave your purse or wallet in plain view or in the pocket of a jacket hanging on a door.
• Personal property should be marked with your California Driver’s License number.
• Don’t leave cash or valuables at the office.
• If you work alone or before/after normal business hours, keep the office door locked.
• If you work late, try to find another worker or a security guard to walk out with you.
• If you are in an elevator with another person, stand near the control panel. If attacked, press the alarm and as many of the control buttons as possible.
• Be alert for pickpockets on crowded elevators.
• Report all suspicious persons and activities to the proper authorities (office manager, building security, law enforcement).
• Be aware of escape routes for emergencies and post the police and fire department numbers near telephones.
• Finally, if a crime does occur…REPORT IT!
• Register for the Campus Safety Listserv to be notified by email of crime alerts and crime trends.
• Sign up for BruinAlert. Students can receive alerts via email and text message if contact information is provided. BruinAlerts communicate official information during an emergency.
• Follow the UCLA Police Department on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Everyone should consider it their responsibility to report crime. Many criminals develop favorite areas for working, as well as predictable methods of operation. When you report all the facts about a crime, it helps the police assign officers in the places where crimes are occurring or where they are most likely to occur, and your report may help prevent a crime from reoccurring.
