Crime Prevention Tips
No community is 100% crime free. A university campus is not unlike any other community with the same problems and concerns. Although the incidence of crime at Concordia University is extremely low, Public Safety encourages all members of the university community to learn good crime prevention habits. Most crimes are crimes of opportunity and can be avoided with a little planning and common sense. Good crime prevention is simply teaching people how to avoid becoming victims. The Department of Public Safety recognizes the types of problems which occur on campus and designs its crime prevention programs to respond to these situations.
Please take ten minutes to read these steps to crime prevention.
Reporting Incidents
Report all incidents or suspicious persons to the Department of Public Safety at x7502 or by calling the Department Cell Phone at (734) 358-1340. Something may not appear to be irregular, but it is better to be safe when in doubt. Public Safety staff members are trained to check all situations in a diplomatic manner. You may report incidents or give information regarding an incident confidentially through the “Silent Witness” link on this website.
On and Off Campus Residence Security
Always lock your doors and windows in your room, apartment or house. Many thefts happen when a person steps out for “just a minute.” Hide cash, valuables, etc. in an out-of-the-way location known only to you. When you leave your house, apartment, etc., close the shades and leave a light and/or radio on in your absence to give the impression the residence is occupied.
When you encounter a difficulty (trespasser, theft, damage, etc.) in your campus residence immediately call Public Safety (on campus x7502 or (734) 358-1340). Again, even if you are unsure if the situation is serious, it is better to be safe.
If you receive a harassing or obscene telephone call, hang up immediately! The caller is seeking gratification. If the calls persist, notify Public Safety immediately and advise the caller you have notified the authorities. Maintain a log of all calls by date and time. We can trace many such calls.
Bicycle Security
Secure your bicycle with a heavy duty chain (quarter inch links) and padlock (1/4 inch shank) to a bike rack or immovable object. These are the strongest deterrents to theft. Wrap the chain around the bike frame and tires, if possible.
Automobile Security
Always lock your automobile. Never leave the keys in it or leave it running unattended. Do not store valuable items in your automobile but if you must, always lock these items in the trunk of your automobile. A steering wheel locking bar is a good deterrent to the automobile thief. Keep an extra automobile identification (registration) card in a location other than your auto. When departing your automobile, always lock the door. When returning to your automobile, especially at night, have your keys ready, observe any unusual activity near the automobile, enter and lock your door immediately.
Personal Safety and Security
Many crimes occur because people are in the wrong place at the wrong time. Avoid people and situations which may invite trouble. Trust your instincts and trust your university authorities. When in doubt, call Public Safety.
When traveling at night, be alert of your surroundings and if needed, call the DPS officer on patrol for a safe escort. If you suspect someone may be following you, look at the person so the person knows you are alert. Walk in a confident demeanor and do not panic. If you are followed, change directions and find the nearest phone or dorm and request that the Department of Public Safety be called. Note a description of the person following you. If you are approached or attacked, run away if necessary. If you are approached by someone intent on accosting you in your dorm, pull the nearest fire alarm pull station. Public Safety will understand such an action in order to protect yourself.
If an automobile is following you, whether on or off campus, change directions, look at the license plate number and remember it. Alert the local police authorities or if on campus, call the officer on patrol (734) 358-1340.
When walking, place your cash, credit cards and valuables in a safe, hard to find location such as an inside pocket.
Thieves know the best places for successful thefts. On a campus, these are unlocked residence hall rooms, libraries (unattended book bags and belongings) and parking lots. Do not bring valuables or cash you do not need to these places. Identify your textbooks with your name, address and a code on a certain page.
The Use and Abuse of Alcohol – Did You Know
College and university campus statistics across the nation indicate that the majority of crimes (range from 65 to 87%) occurring on campus have some causal association with alcohol intoxication or alcohol abuse.
