Safety Discussion Topics Think it Can’t Happen to You? Think Again!

1. UC Davis Safety ServicesMonthly Safety SpotlightAugust 2010: Crime Prevention and Personal Security • Safety Discussion Topics • Think it Can’t Happen to You? Think Again! • Taking Responsibility for Your Safety • Secure Your Vehicle • Secure Your Identity • Secure Your Possessions • Protect Your Home • Protect Yourself from Violent Crime • Know Your Resources

2. Monthly Safety Spotlight, August 2010 Crime Prevention and Personal Security Think it Can't Happen to You? Think Again! I don’t worry about crime here; it feels like such a safe place. I jog on that trail all the time and there’s never been a problem. That person is just acting weird; I’m sure it doesn’t mean anything… I’m just leaving the door unlocked for a minute. Isn’t it the Police Department’s job to handle crime prevention? Think Safe. Act Safe. Be Safe.

3. Monthly Safety Spotlight, August 2010 Crime Prevention and Personal Security Taking Responsibility for Your Safety Being in denial about your exposure to crime can be a major mistake. Your are your own best defense against criminal acts. Take responsibility for your own safety. By staying aware and taking proactive steps, you can avoid becoming a victim. • Law enforcement professionals are there to protect you, but they can’t be everywhere. Each individual has the power to recognize unsafe situations and take appropriate action. • Recognize that criminals seek out the easiest route when they commit a crime. Putting roadblocks in their way discourages them from targeting you. • Think ahead, keep your mind open to potential threats and have a plan in place so you can take action if those threats materialize. • Crime can vary from petty theft of a cell phone to campus-wide emergency situations. Those who are most prepared will experience the least destructive outcomes. • Use the many resources available on- and off-campus to educate yourself. • Ask your Department Safety Coordinator or department supervisor to arrange for crime prevention training for your group through the UC Davis Police Department. Visit police.ucdavis.edu to learn more about crime prevention and personal security. Think Safe. Act Safe. Be Safe.

4. Monthly Safety Spotlight, August 2010 Crime Prevention and Personal Security Secure Your Vehicle Automobile thefts and burglaries from vehicles occur on campus and in all communities. If you value your car and its contents, taking basic steps will help deter these common crimes. • When you park, roll your windows up, lock your doors and set your alarm if you have one. In most car thefts and burglaries, criminals simply open unlocked doors to gain access. • Be particularly careful in parking lots, where many thefts occur. Park in well-lighted areas and make sure to secure your car. • Avoid leaving anything in your car. If you must carry possessions, keep them out of sight and preferably locked in the trunk. Desperate thieves even break windows to steal grocery bags, pocket change or other low value items that are visible in a parked car. • While you’re driving in areas where you’ll make frequent stops, keep your car locked and windows up. Thieves can reach into your car to steal purses, backpacks and other objects. Keep your purse, pack or laptop underneath the seat to discourage this kind of theft. • If you’re a cyclist, register your bicycle and use a sturdy lock to secure it when you park. Be sure the structure you’re attaching to is secure. You may want to take the bike seat and expensive accessories with you; it only takes a thief a few seconds to remove these items. Visit police.ucdavis.edu to learn more about crime prevention and personal security. Think Safe. Act Safe. Be Safe.

5. Monthly Safety Spotlight, August 2010 Crime Prevention and Personal Security Secure Your Identity In today’s world, your personal information will have some exposure. You can minimize the chances of becoming a victim, however. Take a few proactive steps to safeguard your identity. • Don’t transmit your social security number over the internet or reveal it to anyone other than health care providers, government agencies or others who have a legitimate need for it. If a business says they require your social security number, consider using another company instead. • Shred financial documents such as medical records, bank statements, etc. rather than placing them in recycling or trash containers. Curbside containers are fertile ground for identity thieves. • Use a post office collection box or post office to send your outgoing mail when it contains identifying information. • “Phishing” occurs when scammers try to get your personal information by posing as financial institutions or others with legitimate reasons. Never give personal information over the phone or over the internet unless you have confirmed it is a legitimate contact. • If you think someone is using your identity, report it to the police immediately. • Learn more about how to protect your financial and personal information. Internet identity safety tips can be found at www.onguardonline.gov. Also visit the Federal Trade Commission’s “Protecting America’s Consumers” website for more helpful advice: www.ftc.gov (Click on the Identity Theft and Internet Fraud & Safety links), and the National Crime Prevention Council’s website at www.ncpc.org (Click on the ID Theft: Keep Your Identity to Yourself link). Think Safe. Act Safe. Be Safe.

6. Monthly Safety Spotlight, August 2010 Crime Prevention and Personal Security Secure Your Possessions Part 1 Take sensible precautions with your belongings and never lose track of your wallet, cell phone and laptop. Thefts of these items can have far-reaching consequences. • Don’t leave your purse or backpack unattended in a public place, even for a few minutes. • While in your campus workplace, lock your purse, backpack and other valuables in a drawer or cabinet. • If a purse is visible or in an unlocked drawer, thieves will often steal only the wallet. They can rack up a lot of charges before you even realize you’ve been burglarized. If your key ring is also stolen, your car, your house and your personal safety can also be at risk. • Explore hardware and software security applications for your smart phone. • When taking public transit, keep a close watch on your surroundings and keep your belongings with you. Visit police.ucdavis.edu to learn more about crime prevention and personal security. Think Safe. Act Safe. Be Safe.

7. Monthly Safety Spotlight, August 2010 Crime Prevention and Personal Security Secure Your Possessions Part 2 Take sensible precautions with your belongings and never lose track of your wallet, cell phone and laptop. Thefts of these items can have far-reaching consequences. • Never leave a laptop unattended, especially in a conference room or meeting room; thieves know that laptops are sometimes left alone between presentations and will take that opportunity to steal them and the data they contain. • If you travel with your laptop, remove sensitive files and personal identity information, and back up your files before you leave. • Use a locking cable or locking brackets to secure your laptop and other valuable electronics to desk, benchtop or wall. • Review the UC Davis Cyber Safety policy at http://manuals.ucdavis.edu/PPM/310/310-22a.htm • Review UC Davis Information and Educational Technology (IET) web resources to help you keep your laptop and data secure, athttp://security.ucdavis.edu/cybersafetybasics.cfm and http://security.ucdavis.edu/laptop_security.cfm Visit police.ucdavis.edu to learn more about crime prevention and personal security. Think Safe. Act Safe. Be Safe.

8. Monthly Safety Spotlight, August 2010 Crime Prevention and Personal Security Secure Your Home Part 1 Safeguard your home and family by taking some simple steps to help burglar-proof your property. • Burglars need to hide from view and time to commit their crime. Denying them these two essentials will help burglar-proof your home. • If you have a burglar alarm, set it every time you leave the house. • Install double deadbolt locks on your doors and good quality locks on the windows. Burglars can quickly defeat standard locks. • Keep tree branches and shrubbery trimmed to deny burglars the secrecy they need. Keep ladders put away so they can’t easily reach upper windows or balconies. • Register valuables with your local Police Department and keep photo and serial number records on file in case you have to make an insurance claim. Lock or bolt expensive items such as computers and audio-visual systems. Visit police.ucdavis.edu to learn more about crime prevention and personal security. Think Safe. Act Safe. Be Safe.

9. Monthly Safety Spotlight, August 2010 Crime Prevention and Personal Security Secure Your Home Part 2 Safeguard your home and family by taking some simple steps to help burglar-proof your property. • Don’t leave a spare key anywhere on your property; burglars are familiar with our hiding places. Leave a key with a trusted neighbor instead. • Report any suspicious activity, including cars or people you don’t recognize. Report all crimes and attempted crimes promptly so police can track criminal activity. • Consult your local police department for more information, and join or start a Neighborhood Watch program in your neighborhood. • Visit the Burglary Prevention Council’s website at www.burglaryprevention.org for a thorough review of prevention strategies. Visit police.ucdavis.edu to learn more about crime prevention and personal security. Think Safe. Act Safe. Be Safe.

10. Monthly Safety Spotlight, August 2010 Crime Prevention and Personal Security Protect Yourself from Violent Crime Part 1 The National Crime Prevention Council offers the following advice for adults. • Don’t walk or jog early in the morning or late at night when the streets are deserted. When out at night, try to have a friend walk with you. • Carry only the money you’ll need on a particular day. • Don’t display your cash or any other inviting targets such as pagers, cell phones, hand-held electronic games, or expensive jewelry and clothing. • If you think someone is following you, switch directions or cross the street. If the person continues to follow you, move quickly toward an open store or restaurant or a lighted house. Don’t be afraid to yell for help. • Try to park in well-lighted areas with good visibility and close to walkways, stores and people. • Make sure you have your key out as you approach your door. • Always lock your car, even if it’s in your own driveway; never leave your motor running. Think Safe. Act Safe. Be Safe.

11. Monthly Safety Spotlight, August 2010 Crime Prevention and Personal Security Protect Yourself from Violent Crime Part 2 The National Crime Prevention Council offers the following advice for adults. • Do everything you can to keep a stranger from getting into your car or to keep a stranger from forcing you into his or her car. • If a dating partner has abused you, do not meet him or her alone. Do not let him or her in your home or car when you are alone. • If you are a battered spouse, call the police or sheriff immediately. Assault is a crime, whether committed by a stranger or your spouse or any other family member. If you believe that you and your children are in danger, call a crisis hotline or a health center (the police can also make a referral) and leave immediately. • If someone tries to rob you, give up your property—don’t give up your life for the sake of possessions that can be replaced. • If you are robbed or assaulted, report the crime to the police. Try to describe the attacker accurately. Your report can help prevent someone else from becoming a victim. Visit police.ucdavis.edu to learn more about crime prevention and personal security. Think Safe. Act Safe. Be Safe.

12. Monthly Safety Spotlight, August 2010 Crime Prevention and Personal Security Crime Prevention Resources Familiarize yourself with the tools, educate yourself on the facts, learn and follow safe practices. • UC Davis Police Department • police.ucdavis.edu – UC Davis Police Department website containing: • News, alerts, crime log, statistics • Emergency procedures • Crime prevention tips and safety guides • Researcher protection strategies • Campus Violence Prevention Program information • Active Shooter training session information: 752-6559 • Aggie Host escort service information: 752-3279 or police.ucdavis.edu/aggiehosts.htm Emergency Contact Numbers: Land lines: 9-1-1 Cell phones: 530-752-1230 Non-Emergency: 530-752-1727 • Additional Crime Prevention Links • National Crime Prevention Council: www.ncpc.org • Burglary Prevention Council: www.burglaryprevention.org • Starting a Neighborhood Watch program: http://www.usaonwatch.org/ Think Safe. Act Safe. Be Safe.