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Saint Michael's College Department Of Public Safety Office Of Crime Prevention
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YOUR CAR
Just as you need to keep an eye on your things in your room, so too must you keep an eye on your ride. It is estimated that a car is stolen about every 19 seconds here in the U.S., that is about how long it takes to unlock your car. This begs the question "What can I do to increase the odds in my favor"? Here are a few simple ideas.
1. The most important thing you can do is Lock Your Vehicle.
2. Make sure your windows are Always Up. (Traveling alone at night, or in places you don't know).
3. Make sure your doors are Locked. (Traveling alone at night, or in places you don't know).
4. Never leave gifts or valuables in visible locations in your car. (Invites theft, especially during holidays).
5. Make sure your car is Registered if on campus. Security can contact you if they find a problem.
6. Don't Loan Out your keys or car. (In some cases both on and off campus you can be held responsible for the driver if you gave consent.
7. Use security device or alarm. (The best devise is the one that connects steering to the brake pedal). And alarms also work.
8. Never pick up hitchhikers.
9. Make sure your vehicle is in good running condition, roadside assistance clubs are also a good idea.
10.Top 10 stolen vehicles in the United States: Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Olds Cutlass, Jeep Cherokee, Chevy Pickup Full Size, Toyota Corolla, Ford Taurus, Chevy Caprice, and Ford F-150 Pickup. These are ranked from most stolen to least.
11. If you feel you are being followed, do not lead them home, proceed to a police or fire station and ask for help.
YOUR BIKE
Bicycles too are a common theft item. Usually stolen faster than cars, and harder to trace if stolen. But there are steps you can take here as well.
1. Wearing a helmet is your best protection for brain injuries. If your helmet is cracked replace it.
2. Secure your bike to bike racks using U-Bolt locks. Chain locks & cable systems are a weak defense.
3. Remove anything a person might steal, bags, seat, and front tire.
4. Have your bike Registered with security on campus.
5. Accessories too are common theft issues like: Seats, tires & rims, lighting, and bags.
6. Don't Loan your bike out
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
If you use public transportation stay focused, alert, and careful. Here are some tips.
1. Never fall asleep.
2. Know your route.
3. At night exit at well lit stops.
4. On a bus at night try to sit to the front near the driver and if you need assistance do not be afraid to ask.
5. Do not flash valuables.
6. If you feel your being followed do not lead that person to your home, instead proceed to a well lit and occupied building or store and ask for help, or use a phone to call for help.
If you fall victim to a theft or act of vandalism report it immediately.
Remember: You don't have to wear a badge to fight crime, everybody can do it.
