Crime Prevention Around Campus

How do I stay safe while on campus? Here are a few tips:

1. Use the Escort Service --

Georgia Southern University Police offers a Walking Escort Service to help students get around campus without having to walk alone. Our department employs part-time students who work as Service Officers to conduct walking escorts anywhere on campus. Service Officers work six days a week (Sunday through Friday) from 6:00 P.M. until 2:00 A.M. If you need an escort other than these times, our department will dispatch a patrol officer to assist you. Call 478-5234 to get an escort.

2. Avoid dark paths or empty classrooms --

At night avoid areas that are dark. Most of campus is well lighted, but you can find isolated places where no one is around if you really want to. Go with a friend if you're out for a walk or a jog. You're even less likely to be attacked if you're walking a dog than being out alone. If you go into buildings on campus to study, take a friend along. Otherwise, look for well lighted rooms and buildings. The Henderson Library usually has plenty of room to study, and they have lots of computers.

3. Keep your valuables with you --

Make a conscious effort not to leave your purse or your bookbag behind when you leave a room or a building. Keep your bookbag and books with you even if you have to go to the bathroom. Don't leave unattended valuables laying about on study tables, desks, or in bookbags.

4. Lock your car doors --

Half of cars that are victimized on campus have things stolen from them because they were unlocked or their windows were rolled down. ALWAYS lock your doors and roll up your windows even if you are going to be gone for only 15 minutes. If you have a vehicle that is difficult (or impossible) to secure (like a canvas top Jeep) don't leave valuables in the vehicle. Even if you do own a vehicle that can be secured don't unecessarily leave valuables in your car. Don't leave spare keys on tires. If you have a car alarm utilize it every time you lock your car.

5. Lock your room doors --

If you live on campus, ALWAYS lock your residence hall door when you leave even if it will be for just a minute. Theives 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 or an exterior residence hall door key so that a new one can be issued you. You may also want to have your room door lock changed.

6. Report suspicious situations to GSU Police --

If you see anything that just doesn't look right to you, don't be afraid to call the Georgia Southern University Police. It is much better for the police 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 responses of community members just like you!