Home and Resident Living Areas
- Keep your doors and windows locked.
- Do not admit strangers. Do not admit maintenance or repair persons without verifying their identity. If you are suspicious, contact the police.
- Lower shades or close drapes/curtains after dark.
- Be wary of inviting casual acquaintances into your residence. In over half of all reported rapes, the women knew their attacker.
- Leave lights on when you go out at night. Inexpensive timers can be purchased and used to convey a sense of occupancy.
- Have your keys ready when moving from one destination to the next.
Apartment complexes, townhouses, condominium communities, and other multi-family dwellings pose unique security problems because of the temporary nature of many residents of lease/rental property.
Here are a few tips:
- Have locks re-keyed when moving into a previously rented residence or after keys have been lost or stolen.
- Deadbolt locks, if not already in place, should be installed on all exterior doors including the one from the garage into the residence. Deadbolt locks can be either single or double cylinder but should have at least a one inch throw (bolt extends 1” into frame).
- Install locks or protective devices on windows, including second floor windows.
- Do not prop open resident hall doors. This is an open invitation to a criminal.
Office/Work Environments
- Lock your office whenever you leave.
- Keep purses, wallets, and other valuables in a locked desk or cabinet.
- Report any suspicious person(s) loitering in your area.
