Personal Safety

Property (Operation ID)

Operation ID is a program designed to discourage theft of valuable property and provides a way for you to easily identify stolen property if necessary. Most thieves steal valuables for resale. So, if marked with a permanent identification number, thieves will find it harder to sell the valuables. You may borrow an engraving tool from the Campus Safety Office by displaying your ID card and filling out a simple form. Once you have engraved an identification number on property (such as laptops, bikes, cameras, etc.) list the items on the Personal Property Record form included with the engraver. You may wish to make an additional copy of your Personal Property Record to keep at your permanent address.

  Tips:

• Don't give anyone your ID or code to your room.
• Don't leave valuables or cash where someone can easily pick them up.
• Don't leave your name or address on your key ring.
• Don't leave valuables in classrooms, cars, the library or dinning hall.
• Report any suspicious or unauthorized person.
• Report any broken windows or doors.
• Report any door to door solicitors who do not have proper authority to be on campus
• Report anyone looking into windows or parked vehicles.
• Report anyone hanging around residence halls, hallways, or other campus buildings with no clear purpose for being there.
• Report any suspicious vehicles driving around campus.

Remember, do not attempt to stop or restrain a suspicious or unauthorized person. Call Campus Safety at 617-735-9710.

Residence Hall

• Don't give anyone your ID or code to your room. Close any windows that are accessible from the outside.
• Don't put your name or address on your key ring.
• If you should lose your ID, notify Residential Life and Campus Safety. Arrangements will be made to have a new ID made.
• Don't study in poorly lit or secluded areas.
• Residents should always ask for identification from service personnel. If in doubt and you don't recognize the person, call the Campus Safety.
• Don't let strangers use your phone. Make the call for them or direct them to a residence hall front desk.
• If you start receiving harassing phone calls, notify the Campus Safety.
• If you find your room has been entered don't go inside. Go to a phone and call Campus Safety. Don't touch anything in the room; you may disturb evidence that is important to an investigation.
• If an intruder awakens you do not try to apprehend the person. An intruder may be armed or may be able to arm themselves with something in the room. Try to leave the room and call for help.
• If you see a suspicious person or vehicle on campus, contact Campus Safety with as much information as possible.
• Don't prop open exterior doors. Doors are locked for your safety.
• Report any broken doors, locks or windows.
• Try not to bring large amounts of cash or valuables to campus. If you must, try not to let anyone know you have them and keep them in a safe place.
• Keep items of value out of sight if possible. Don't leave valuables in plain sight from the outside.

When Driving

• Don't pick up hitchhikers.
• Whenever possible, limit driving to well-lit and heavily traveled roads.
• Keep your windows and doors locked.
• Sound your horn. If ever threatened and you cannot drive away, sound your horn to attract attention.
• If your vehicle ever breaks down, signal for attention by raising your hood. Stay inside your vehicle with your windows closed and your doors locked.
• If you are being followed, keep out of desolate areas. Look for a place where there are people and stop. Ask someone to call the police.

When Walking

• Walk with a friend. Avoid traveling alone after dark. Call the Campus Safety Department for a ride or escort.
• Avoid shortcuts. Only walk on well-lit regularly traveled pathways.
• Don't hitchhike. Don't accept rides from casual acquaintances.
• If threatened by an approaching vehicle, run in the opposite direction. The vehicle will have to turn around before it can follow you.
• Run, scream and make noise. If you are being followed or feel you are in danger let someone know you are in trouble.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Stay in populated areas.
• How you carry yourself is crucial. Look confident in where you are going, how your walk and what you are doing.
• In crowded subways, keep your wallet in your front pocket, rather than the rear, and keep your purse closed and held in front of you or on the side.
• Don't flaunt jewelry, cameras or cash in public.
• Use caution when using ATMs and don't carry too much cash around with you. Most places accept credit/debit cars and there are ATMs everywhere.
• After dark, stick to main streets if you don't know where you are going.
• If you feel uncomfortable or lost, approach a police officer or a friendly store owner to get your bearings or directions.
• When in doubt of your destination or the safety of a neighborhood, take a taxi cab, especially late at night.
• Many business districts are desolate at night; keep this in mind when deciding whether to walk or take a taxi cab.