Crime Prevention Safety Tips

On Campus | Residence Halls | Bikes | Parking Lots | Protect your Car | Property Safety | Harassing Phone Calls

On Campus

• Don't walk alone, always walk in a group or with a friend. If you do not have someone with whom to walk, contact the UNI Safety Escort.
• Choose well-lighted paths, avoid shortcuts. If you see an area light out, please report it to the Physical Plant 273-4400.
• Be Aware! If you believe someone is following you, occasionally look behind you. Immediately head for the nearest Public Safety phone, lighted building, or group of people. See the Emergency Phone map.
• Don't give your name or your telephone number to strangers.
• If you carry cash, don't flash it. The same goes for ATM's. Use extra caution when using an ATM, by checking the surroundings for suspicious persons.

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In the Residence Halls

• Never loan or give your room keys to anyone.
• Don't block open residence hall doors! You never know who may enter, it is dangerous to you and everyone else in the building.
• Don't leave your room or go to sleep with your door unlocked.
• If you live on the ground floor of the dorms, lock your windows when you leave.
• If you are on an elevator with someone who makes you feel uncomfortable, exit as soon as possible. Don't take any unnecessary risks.
• Be careful when you use the bathroom or visit the lounge late at night, always lock your doors.
• Discuss these safety tips with your roommate. If only one of you are being safe, what about the other 50% of the time?
• Report the loss of your keys immediately. UNI Police (x3-2712) has a lost and found, they may be here.
• If you believe safety is being compromised in your building, tell your RA or Hall Coordinator.
• Candles and incense are considered fire hazards and are not allowed in the dorms.
• The resale of alcohol to others is always illegal. Even if they are over 21, this is a misdemeanor offense known as bootlegging. Don't take chances!

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Bikes

• Use bikes racks on campus. They are safer because they are lighted and in plain view.
• Bikes locked to trees may be impounded by the UNI Police.
• Record the serial number and a physical description (make, model, and color) of the bike. Keep the sales receipt.
• Register your bike with the Cedar Falls Police Department by calling 273-8600.
• Always lock up your bike. Even if it is inside a building, lock up the room that contains it. Never secure your bike to objects like a chain-link fence, they can easily be cut.
• Get a high quality lock and use more than one lock to secure components. If you have a quick-release front tire or seat, lock it or take it with you.
• Lights, bags and cycling computers are easy to steal, so consider removing them when not in use.
• Ride smart and safely. Use signals, be aware of car doors, and remember to announce yourself to pedestrians on campus and in the surrounding neighborhoods.

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Parking Lots

• When approaching your parked car, have your keys ready and check the interior of your car making sure no one is inside your car before you enter.
• As soon as you are inside your car, lock all your doors.
• Utilize the Public Safety phones in the North Dome and the South Art Lots to call for an UNI Safety Escort.
• Anticipate when you will return to your car - if it is after dark, park beneath a light.
• NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE!

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Protect Your Car

• Always Lock! If it is easy for you to get in, it will be easy for others too.
• Windows should always be rolled up completely.
• A car in well-lighted and traveled area is difficult and risky to steal.
• Mark all stereos or other car accessories with an identifying number, if they are stolen, their description and identifying number can be loaded into the National Criminal Information Computer, available to departments all over the United States.
• Don't leave valuable items in view. Put bags and boxes in the trunk and use a stereo with a removable faceplate. Don't ever leave a cellular phone or CD player out!
• If you have a Parking Hang-Tag, always lock your doors. If it is stolen, report the theft in person at 106 Towers Center.

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Property Safety

• Mark your property by engraving or recording the serial number so it can be identified. If they are stolen, their description and identifying number can be loaded into the National Criminal Information Computer, available to departments all over the United States.
• In the Library, Union, or academic class rooms, don't leave any property unattended, even for a minute.
• Books are usually stolen at the start and end of the semester for resale.
• At work, arrange to lock your purse or bag up. Don't leave your belongings open for thieves.
• Keep a record of all your valuables, a picture of jewelry or other highly valuable items is essential.
• In the locker room, always lock your locker. It is an easy way to prevent wallet theft.
• An engraver can be checked out from Public Safety Office with a valid University ID.
• Property Identification Inventory Form (click to print for personal use)

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Harassing Phone Calls

• Harassing phone calls are a crime.
• UNI Police can trace harassers phone calls, but timely reporting is a must.
• If you get a persistent harassing caller, understand their psychology, they want you mad. Don't get mad, just calmly hang up the phone. Don't let them win.
• If the phone call is threatening, contact UNI Police (x3-2712 immediately. Don't take any risks.

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