Lock all doors, even if you are leaving only for a short time. Make certain to lock your door before you go to sleep. Never prop open any locking door. 

1. Christian Walliker - General Security Tips
Security inside buildings
Residence halls
● Lock all doors, even if you are leaving only for a short time.
● Make certain to lock your door before you go to sleep.
● Never prop open any locking door.
● Avoid leaving notes on your door saying that you are out.
● If you use voice mail, do not provide your name or phone number in the
outgoing message.
Campus offices and labs
● Be sure doors are locked whenever you leave an unattended office or lab.

2. ● Never leave doors propped open or leave keys in an unlocked cabinet or
desk drawer. Lock cabinets and drawers when not in use.
● It is not advisable to tape extra keys under desk drawers or in file cabinets.
● Don’t unlock entire floors or department areas if only a single door or work
area will provide the necessaryaccess.
● Secure computer equipment, balance scales, and other small portable
items to a fixed surface using manufacturer’s security devices or cable
locks available from ProtectiveServices.
● When leaving your office or lab for the day, make sure all windows are
closed and locked, all valuables and confidential materials are locked up,
and all desks, files, and doors arelocked.
● Secure purses, wallets, backpacks, briefcases, or electronic devicesin
locked cabinets, closets, or other safeareas.
Security outside buildings
Street crime
● Try to avoid walking alone, particularly during hours of darkness. If you
must walk alone at night, use well-lit streets with as much vehicle traffic as
possible and walk near thecurb.
● Avoid carrying a purse and keep a wallet in your pocket instead. Keeping
money separate will allow you to hand over your cash without sacrificing
your credit cards, identification, and personal papers/cards. If you must
carry a purse, clutch it tightly under your arm rather than loosely hung from
your shoulder. Use a shoulder strap acrossyour body.
● Scan the area ahead as you walk. If you observe suspicious person or
vehicles, change direction and walk to a place of safety.

3. ● If you are walking when streets are relatively empty, make eye contact with
everyone you pass and keep yourself at arm’s length away from them.
● Walk briskly and confidently.
● After dark public parks, vacant lots, and areas with excessive trees and
bushes.
● While waiting for a bus or MetroLink train, if the station is deserted, wait in
a well-lit section with your back against the wall, if possible.
● Always pay attention to yoursurroundings.
Driving/parking lots and garages
● Have your key ready when you approach yourvehicle.
● Check before you get in to make sure no one is hiding beneath or inside
the vehicle.
● Enter your vehicle, start the engine, secure the doors, latch your seat belt,
and drive away.
● Drive on well traveled streets and never pick up hitchhikers. Don’t hitchhike
yourself.
● Keep your car in gear while stopped, with all the windows up and doors
locked.
● When you park, use a well-lighted, designated parkingarea.
● If you carry valuables in your car—such as GPS devices, cell phones, laptop
or tablet computers, or loose change—keep them out of sight in the trunk.
● Keep cell phones charged and contactsup-to-date.
● If you are deliberately forced to stop your vehicle, keep the doors locked,
turn on the lights, and sound the horn. Use your cell phone to call for help.
● Notify Protective Services, in advance, if you have arranged for
windshield/glass replacement, mechanical service, or towing, while youare
at work.

4. Off campus
● Keep your doors and windows closed andlocked.
● Contact your local police department for recommendations regarding lock
purchase and replacement.
● Always identify visitors before letting them in.
● Request that service people show identification before you open the door.
● Use a timer to turn lights and a radio on and off, if you will arrive home late
or will be away for a period of time.
● Keep police and emergency numbers near your telephone. 911 isthe
default emergency number for mostareas.
● Do not lend your keys to service people or anyone you do not know and
trust.
● If a stranger asks to use your telephone or cell phone, do not open the
door. Offer to call forthem.
● Do not give credit card numbers to any stranger or to anyone over the
phone unless you are certain to whom you are speaking.
● Report any unusual or suspicious activity near your home to the local
police.
Identity theft
Credit/debit cards and personalchecks
● Keep credit/debit cards, personal checks, and cash in a safe place.
● Shop with credit/debit cards or checks when possible. They are less likely
to be stolen than cash.
● Keep a record of all credit/debit card account numbers and telephone
numbers associated with theseaccounts.

5. ● Photocopy both front and back of all your credit/debit cards and keep the
copies in a secure location.
● Do not keep Personal Identification Numbers (PIN) in any location that
may be associated withthe cards they activate.
● Do not give account numbers over the telephone, by mail, or online, unless
you are certain of the company’s service and credibility.
● Always keep credit/debit card receipts.
● Report the loss or theft of credit/debit cards immediately to the issuing
authority.
● File a police report in the jurisdiction where the card was stolen. This
proves to credit providers that you are diligent and is the first step toward
an investigation.
● Call the three national credit report organizations immediately to place a
fraud alert on your name and social security number. The alert means that
any company that checks your credit will know that your card was stolen
and they much contact you to authorize new credit.
Identity theft
● Exercise caution when sharing personal information over the internet, the
telephone, or in person.
● Do no put your credit card number on the internet unless it is encrypted on
a secured site.
● Do not put your telephone number, social security number, or telephone
number on checks or your creditreceipts.
● When you order new credit cars in the mail, watch the calendar to make
sure you get the card within the appropriate time. Destroy expired credit
cards.
● Cancel all credit cards you have not used in the last six months.

6. ● Shred all documents, including pre-approved credit applications receivedin
your name, insurance forms, bank checks, statements, and other financial
information you are discarding.
● If victimized, notify the financial institutions where your accounts may have
been tampered with. Closing accounts may benecessary.
● Place a watch on all checks coming through your account to ensure only
checks you wrote are paid. Check online accounts regularly to insure
proper status.
● Change your ATM Card and PINnumber.
● Notify all of your credit-card companies.
General safety tips
ATM safety tips
● Be alert at all times when using any ATM (walk-up, drive-up, inside, or
outside). After completing your transaction, leave immediately.
● Avoid using an ATM in an isolated or poorly-lighted area after dark.
● Be accompanied by another person when using an ATM after dark.
● Refrain from displaying cash. Place cash in your pocket or purse as soon
as the transaction is completed.
● If you notice anyone or anything that seems suspicious when using or
considering the use of an ATM, don’t make the transaction; use another
ATM or return at a latertime.
Report all crimes to the operator of the ATM or to local law enforcement
officials.
● Protect your ATM or debit card as you would cash or a credit card, and
never let anyone else use it. Do not share the PIN associated with your
card.

7. ● Memorize your PIN. Do not write it on your card or leave it in your wallet.