Crime Prevention
The Police Services Crime Prevention program's focus is to mitigate the likelihood of crime before it occurs.
Police Services provides crime prevention services that include the following:
- Live Scan fingerprinting
- Motorist Assistance
- Safety Escorts
- Safety/Physical Security Assessments for students, faculty and staff;
- Lighting and landscape/visual obstruction assessments
Additionally, the following key tips will reduce the likelihood of you becoming a crime victim.
Housing Security
- Lock you doors at all times, particularly when you leave your room.
- Program emergency phone numbers in your phone.
- Do not leave messages on your door or voicemail indicating when you will be gone and/or when you will return.
- Do not let strangers enter your residence. Call Police Services if you observe a stranger around your residence.
- Do not open your door to permit strangers to use your phone. Call Police Services and ask them to assist the stranger with their telephone needs.
- Do not place your address on your key ring.
- Introduce yourself to your neighbors.
- Do not leave your keys in "hiding" places. Thieves can find hidden keys.
- Do not keep large sums of cash in your room.
- Do not leave valuables (e.g.: credit cards, jewelry, IPads) visible from windows.
- Report broken lights and locks to housing officials immediately.
- When in doubt, call Police Services 510-885-3791.
Pedestrian Safety
- Use the "buddy system" and walk in pairs, especially after dark.
- Call Police Services for a safety escort. Officers are available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.
- Avoid walking in poorly lit areas.
- Walk with a purpose and demonstrate and awareness of your surroundings.
- Keep your hands free from carrying unnecessary objects.
- Walk with a cell phone- program the Police Services phone number into the contact list-510-885-3791.
- Do not become distracted by cell phone, ear buds or headphone use.
- Have your keys handy when approaching your vehicle. Being able to immediately enter your auto or residence is critical to your safety.
- Familiarize yourself with the geographical layout of the University.This will enable you to accurately provide Police Services with your location in the event of an emergency.
- Utilize the emergency phone stations that are strategically located throughout the University (blue lights).
- Refer to this campus map to locate emergency phones.
Parking Lot Security & General Vehicle Safety
- Approach your vehicle with keys in hand.
- If possible, activate the vehicle's interior dome light with remote prior to entering your vehicle.
- Look inside your vehicle prior to entering.
- Lock your doors upon entering the vehicle.
- Drive your vehicle with doors locked. If you are alone, be sure your passenger window is up.
- When stopping in traffic/intersections, leave room in front of vehicle to steer away from potential trouble.
- Don't become distracted by cell phone use.
- Don't provide rides to strangers.
- Don't leave your mail in plain view inside your vehicle.Criminals can read your address from an envelope and follow you home.
- Don't stop and offer assistance to a stranger whose car has broken down. Use your cell phone to summon assistance.
- Ensure your vehicle is well maintained with a full tank of gas.
- Consider purchasing towing/roadside service coverage.
- Don't park in poorly lit areas.
- When possible, select a parking area that is free from large vans, trucks, bushes or other objects that could conceal a criminal or impair your ability to summon help.
- Don't park your car if you see a stranger loitering for no apparent reason. Drive away.
Property Theft
- Record serial numbers of expensive property (e.g.: TV, stereo, laptop computers).
- Engrave valuables with your driver's license number.
- Register your bicycle with Police Services.
- Don't leave items such as bicycles, backpacks, laptops, wallets or cell phones unsecured.
- Keep your suite door (bedroom door) closed and locked when hosting social gatherings in common areas of residences.
- Immediately report stolen property to Police Services.
- Report instances of someone carrying expensive property out of a Residential Community, especially during unusual hours.
- Don't leave property unattended in public hallways, classrooms, the library or curbside.
Miscellaneous
- Serve as a leader in your Residential Community by facilitating a "Town Hall" meeting with your neighbors. Invite Police Services to provide a crime prevention presentation.
- Visit UPD (located in the library) and meet with a police officer to discuss basic crime prevention strategies.