Help Us Help You
Anything that you think is suspicious should be reported to Campus
Safety without delay. You may call x7911 from any on-campus phone to
report emergencies or suspicious activities. Emergency phones are also
located outside the entrance of each residence hall and have an
emergency button that automatically connects you to Campus Safety. Many
parking lots also have emergency phones indicated by a blue light.
Report all crimes immediately. In the case of theft or burglary, try
not to disturb the scene. The Sheriffs may be able to gather evidence
if nothing has been disturbed.
Always be alert for suspicious persons in and around buildings and on
campus grounds and parking lots. Do not approach them. Call Campus
Safety!
Personal Safety
General
If you sense a potential threat, consider your options and take action
immediately to get away from the danger.
Yell or scream. Attract attention. Yell "Call the Police" and run
toward a lighted public area. Go into an open business or building and
call Campus Safety (x7911) or the Police/Sheriff (911). Describe what
happened and where. Give a detailed description of the suspect, as well
as a description of any vehicle involved and its license number. Tell
the operator which direction the person went, as well as any other
pertinent information.
The best time to plan your response to a crime is before it occurs.
Consider your options and abilities. Consider how you will act in
certain situations. What items do you normally carry that have
self-defense potential? Remember that nothing you own is worth getting
hurt over. If you’re in danger, do anything you can to escape and call
for help. On campus dial x7911, off campus call 911.
Protecting Property
Theft is the most common campus crime. It is a crime of opportunity
that you are in the best position to prevent by reducing or removing
the opportunity.
- Keep the doors and windows of
your residence locked. Never prop open otherwise locked doors.
- Don’t leave purses,
backpacks, or books unattended anywhere on campus.
- Keep a list of serial numbers
and descriptions of your valuables. This is your only means of
retrieving your property if it is recovered after a theft. Engrave
valuable items (bicycles, stereos, VCR’s, etc.) with your driver’s
license number. Campus Safety has engravers to loan out.
- Don’t keep large sums of
cash, jewelry, or other valuables in your room. Any valuables you do
bring to campus should leave with you when you go home for vacation.
- Always remove your keys and
lock your car. Park in campus-owned lots. Most cars broken into in the
neighborhood were parked on the street.
- Install an auto alarm system,
particularly if you have a stereo system, cell phone, etc.
- Never leave valuables visible
in your car. Lock them in your trunk or take them with you.
- Mopeds and scooters should be
shackled to immovable posts or blocks provided in various areas for
your convenience. Combustion engine vehicles such as mopeds and
motorcycles may not be parked inside any building.
Use a U-shaped lock to secure
your bike, even if you only plan to leave it for a moment. A thief can
steal an unsecured bike in seconds. Residence halls have approved
indoor bike storage areas.
Safety at Home
- Lock all doors and windows,
even when you are only going to be away for a short while. If at all
possible, keep doors and windows closed when home alone, and certainly
while asleep.
- Keep emergency phone numbers
close to your telephone. PLU is in an enhanced 911 area, dial 7911 for
an emergency on campus. Those living off campus should call the County
911 emergency dispatch center for fire, medical aide, and police
services.
- Do not open your door for
someone you do not know or cannot see. Don’t worry about being polite.
- Never allow strangers in to
use the phone, even if they say it’s an emergency. Call for them, but
don’t let them in.
- Don’t hide keys outside. If
you can think of a place to hide a key, a burglar can find it.
- If you have to leave your car
keys with a mechanic or parking lot attendant, remove all keys from the
ring except the car keys. Never put your home address on your key ring
or attach an ID card to your key ring.
- Get to know your neighbors
and get involved in your local "Safe Streets" or "Block Watch" group.
Safety In Your Residence Hall
- Never let anyone into the
hall unless you positively know him or her as a resident. If they claim
to be visiting a friend, instruct them to call them on the phones
provided at the entrance to each residence hall.
- Never prop open outside
doors. You’ll be placing everyone else at risk.
- Keep your door locked when
you are inside your room, and make sure it is locked whenever you
leave, even if it is only for a few moments. Leaving a door open is a
dangerous mistake, one that has cost lives on other college campuses.
- Do not leave messages
announcing your absence. This invites theft.
- If you are in immediate
danger call 7911 if possible, or scream, or even pull a fire alarm if
one is accessible. Remember a false alarm is no joke (it’s a crime),
but pulling a fire alarm is an acceptable and appropriate action in an
emergency situation.
- Do NOT loan your keys or ID card to others.
Safety When Walking
- Avoid walking alone at night.
On campus and within a specified radius around campus you can call
Campus Safety at x7441 for an escort. Off campus dial 535-7441. On or
off campus it is advisable to walk with a friend whenever possible.
Keep in mind that on a small campus like PLU, odds are that someone
else is also leaving within a few minutes and is headed in your
direction. Just ask!
- Choose routes that avoid dark
and vacant areas.
- Know where emergency phones
are located along your route.
- Wear clothes and shoes that
allow you to move quickly.
- Walk with purpose, keep your
eyes up, and scan your surroundings. Make eye contact with others.
- Anticipate potentially
dangerous situations.
- Have your keys in hand.
You’ll avoid standing outside fumbling for them, and they make a good
weapon if the need arises.
Safety When Driving
- Look into your car before
getting in, noticing if anything is disturbed or out of place. Once
inside lock all doors and keep windows rolled up.
- Drive well traveled, brightly
lit roads and never pick up a hitchhiker.
- Keep spare change in your car
for a phone call. 911 is always a free call.
- If you suspect you are being
followed, drive to an open business to seek help. If you fear leaving
your car, sound the horn repeatedly. If someone stops to help, stay in
your car and ask them to call for help for you.
