Crime Prevention

SAFETY TIPS

Staying Safe On Campus

Pleae take the following precautions to ensure your personal safety!

  • Stay alert to your surroundings.
  • Walk with confidence — show that you are aware and in control. Body language works.
  • Trust your instincts. If something or someone makes you uneasy, get out or away.
  • Be ready — don't fumble in your pocket or purse for your door key. Have it in hand before you reach your car or home.
  • Always lock your car — when you get in and when you get out.
  • Look around your car and in the back seat before you get in.
  • Avoid walking alone, especially at night. Stay in well-traveled, well-lit areas
  • Know where the nearest campus phone is located.
  • Use the Safety Escort Service - Link to CS Escort Service in the Handbook
  • Keep your valuables with you. Make a conscious effort not to leave your purse or your book bag behind when you leave a room, building or your vehicle. Keep your book bag and books with you even if you have to go to the bathroom. Don't leave unattended valuables lying about on study tables, desks, or in unattended book bags.

Preventing Theft

Lock Your Doors! If you live on campus, ALWAYS lock your residence hall door when you leave even if it will be for just a minute. Thieves like to walk around and check doors at all times of the day and night for locks that are left unlocked. Don't let strangers in a residence hall just because they are knocking on an exterior door. Immediately report a lost or stolen residence hall room key so that a new one can be issued you.

Report Suspicious Situations/Activity To Campus Safety If you see anything that just doesn't look right to you, don't be afraid to call Campus Safety at extension “0” from any on campus phone or (562) 903-6000 from off campus or a cell phone. It is much better for Campus Safety to come and find that there is nothing wrong than for a crime to occur. Sometimes offenders can be caught in the act because of the quick-thinking community members just like you.

Auto Crimes

Auto Theft Prevention Tips

Items such as cell phones, laptop computers, camcorders and credit cards are much more valuable than a car stereo, and much quicker to remove from a vehicle. An auto burglar can break a car window, reach inside to grab a few items, and be gone in a matter of seconds. Even the best alarm system has minimal effectiveness in this type of crime.

First and foremost, when your vehicle is not in use, keep it locked and do not leave the keys inside!

  • Always roll up the windows and lock the doors.
  • Never leave valuables, books, purses, bags or anything in plain view. Put them in the trunk or at least out of sight.
  • Park in a busy, well-lit area.
  • Consider installing mechanical locking devices or security systems. Have your mechanic install a fuel or ignition kill switch that has to be activated before the vehicle will start.
  • Have your windows etched with your VIN number.
  • Never leave your vehicle running and unattended, even just to run in for a minute.
  • Never leave a spare set of keys in your vehicle.
  • Be alert and report any suspicious persons or activities you see in parking areas.

Self-defense

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Rape Aggression Defense Systems (RAD) OBJECTIVE

“To develop and enhance the options of self defense, so they may become viable considerations to the woman who is attacked.”

Biola University is proud to offer RAD Systems to female students. For more information contact Deputy Chief John Ojeisekhoba or check out RAD here.

ATM Safety

  • Try to avoid using an ATM by yourself. Either take someone with you or only use an ATM when others are around.
  • If possible, avoid using an ATM after dark. If you must, choose one that is well lit and does not have tall bushes nearby.
  • When you arrive at an ATM, look around. If you see anything that makes you uncomfortable or anyone who looks suspicious, do not stop. Either use an ATM at a different location or come back later. Notify police.
  • Have your access card and any other documents you need ready when you approach an ATM. While you are fumbling with a wallet or purse, you are easy prey for a thief.
  • If someone else is using the ATM, stay alert to your surroundings. Look up and around every few seconds while transacting your business.
  • Protect your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Do not enter your PIN if anyone else can see the screen or keypad. Use your body to shield your PIN from onlookers. Don't give your PIN out to others. This is the leading cause of theft.
  • When your transaction is finished, be sure you have your card and your receipt, then leave immediately. Avoid counting or otherwise displaying large amounts of cash.
  • As you leave, be aware of anything suspicious. If you think you are being followed, go to an area with a lot of people and call the police.

Dealing with Obscene or Annoying Phone Calls

  • HANG UP As soon as you hear an obscenity, improper question or no response
  • HANG UP! It may take the caller five or six times to get the message, but be consistent and hang up every time. They usually get tired of getting no response and stop calling.
  • DON'T TALK TO STRANGERS Be careful when the caller says he is taking a survey. If you have any concern about the legitimacy of a person asking for personal information over the phone, ask the person for his name, firm name and telephone number. Say that you will call back after you verify the authenticity of the survey.
  • DON'T PLAY DETECTIVE Don’t extend the call trying to figure out who is calling. This or any type of reaction is exactly what the caller wants.
  • KEEP COOL Don’t let the caller know you are upset or angry.
  • DON'T TRY TO BE CLEVER A witty response may well be interpreted as a sign of encouragement.
  • DON'T TRY TO BE A COUNSELOR The annoyance or obscene caller certainly needs professional help, but he will only be encouraged by your concern and will continue calling.
  • DON'T TELL EVERYONE ABOUT YOUR CALLS Many calls of this type are actually made by friends, family members, even your closest girlfriend or boyfriend.
  • PLACE ADS WITH CAUTION When placing an ad in a newspaper or on a bulletin board, use a newspaper or post office box number if possible. If you must use your phone number, do not list your address. Crank callers are avid readers of the classified ads.
  • DON'T LET YOUR ANSWERING MACHINE OR VOICE MAIL GIVE YOU AWAY Don’t say: “I’m out of the office”; “I’m not at home at the present time”; “I’m away for the weekend”. Also refrain from using names or giving out the phone number. If the prank call is random, you’ve just given the caller a name and a return phone number. Suggestions: “Your message is important to me, please leave your name and number”; “I’m glad you called, Please leave your name and number”; “I’m not available at the present time, but will return your call as soon as possible”.
  • REPORT THREATS OF PHYSICAL HARM OR VIOLENCE IMMEDIATELY While the vast majority of obscene and annoying phone calls are simple pranks, threats of violence must be taken seriously.
  • Immediately after you receive a call in which there are threats of physical harm or violence report the call to Campus Safety or to your local police agency if you are at home or away from the campus.