Crime Prevention Tips

CRIME PREVENTION TIPS

On Campus

  • Never leave your personal property unsecured or unattended.
  • Look around and be aware of your surroundings when you enter and exit a building.
  • Always tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to return.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and think about how you would defend yourself. Develop a "game plan" for prevention.
  • Avoid walking alone, particularly after dark. If walking alone is unavoidable, be aware of your surroundings.
  • Walk with confidence and determination, holding your head up. Look behind and around you frequently.
  • Avoid shortcuts. The shortest route is not always the safest route.
  • Dress for mobility, particularly after dark.
  • Carry your personal belongings in a backpack or similar container that will enable your arms and hands to be free at all times.
  • Never allow someone to predict your route of travel. Whether you are driving, biking, walking, or jogging; frequently alter your route between campus and your residence.

Residence Halls

  • Never prop your door open, even if you will be gone for only a few minutes. Always lock doors, screens, and windows to prevent uninvited access to your room.
  • Do not go inside your residence if you return and find that the door is ajar. Immediately notify the police.
  • Do not give anyone a key to your room. If you lose your room key, report it immediately to your Residence Assistant.
  • Do not leave valuables in plain sight. Register, engrave, mark, and/or photograph all your valuables including bicycles, stereos, jewelry, vehicles, computers, etc.
  • Never let strangers into your hall. This puts you and others at risk.
  • Be aware of suspicious persons and activities. If you observe someone or something suspicious, notify the residence hall staff and the UT Arlington Police Department.
  • Report any obscene, annoying, or threatening telephone calls to the UT Arlington Police Department.

On Dates

  • Know your sexual limits and communicate them clearly and firmly.
  • Do not allow your body language to send a different message than what you are verbally communicating.
  • Avoid the use of mind-altering drugs. (This includes alcohol.)
  • Listen to and respond to your instincts. They are usually correct.
  • Never accept a ride from someone you do not know well.

Driving

  • Never pick up hitchhikers.
  • Don't get close to a vehicle if you are walking.
  • Have your keys out and ready.
  • Make an inspection of the interior before you enter your vehicle. Once inside, lock all doors and windows.
  • Park in well-lighted areas. Do not park where suspicious persons are loitering.
  • Trust and follow your instincts.

Off Campus

  • Keep doors and windows locked at all times. All exterior doors should be equipped with deadbolt locks.
  • If you do not have a peephole, request that one be installed.
  • Know whom to call in an emergency.
  • Do not open your door for anyone you do not know. If a person in uniform knocks and you did not call for assistance, contact the person's place of employment to verify the reason for the visit.
  • Use outside lighting and keep shrubbery trimmed around windows and doors.