UDAILY is produced by
the Office of Public Relations
150 South College Ave.
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(302) 831-2791

4:00 p.m., March 14, 2003--UD Public Safety Director Lawrence O. Thornton said that all members of the UD community can take many commonsense precautions to safeguard themselves against crime.

“The public has to help us,” Thornton said. “Individuals need to be aware of their surroundings and use good judgment. Just as importantly, when they notice suspicious activity, such as individuals who are where they should not be, or when they have a feeling that something just isn’t right, they should contact us or the Newark Police.”

Following are some safety tips from UD Police:

• Show a confident attitude and be alert and aware of surroundings. Many street robberies involve students who have been drinking, Thornton said.
  
  
• Report all suspicious activity to UD Police (831-2222) on campus or the Newark Police (366-7111) off campus. Timely reports of information make it easier for police to gather critical evidence and increase the odds of recovering stolen property and successfully prosecuting a criminal.
  
  
• Avoid walking alone at night. Walk with a group, ride a University shuttle bus or call Public Safety for an escort. Use UD’s well-lighted paths and sidewalks and take the most direct route.
  
  
• Keep doors locked (room and vehicle). Do not prop open residence doors. This is an invitation for trespassers.
  
  
• Do not lend keys, ID card or PDI cards to anyone—even friends.
  
  
• Immediately report all maintenance problems, such as broken locks and windows.
  
  
• Attend security awareness programs held on campus to gain valuable information.
  
  
• Identify all valuables. Register computers, bicycles and stereos with Public Safety.
  
  
• Use crosswalks and pedestrian crossing signals to cross streets.
  
  
• Be aware of campus and local crime trends. These are available at Public Safety’s web site [www.udel.edu/PublicSafety].
  
  
• If you are a crime victim, report the crime to the police as soon as possible. Detailed descriptions of the suspects are invaluable to the investigators, as are details such as license plate numbers or types of vehicles.

For more information, e-mail Public Safety at [PublicSafety@udel.edu].