Crime Prevention Tips

 Safety and Security

• If a person at the door is a stranger, speak through the door.
• Always answer the door when you are home. If no one answers, a burglar may assume the dorm/residence is empty.
• Thieves are looking for opportunity, don't give it to them. Don't leave valuables unattended in crowded areas.
• Know who you are inviting into your Dorm party.
• Don't drink and drive.
• Lock your office doors to prevent thefts.
• Secure dorm windows especially ground floors.
• Don't walk alone on the beach trails especially after dusk.
• Ask for an escort if you have concerns about walking alone.

Protect Yourself at Home in your Residence Hall

• Lock your door, even when you intend to return home shortly or even if you are just going down the hall. It takes a thief ten seconds or less to enter an open room and steal your property.
• Lock your bedroom door at all times when you leave.
• Lock or secure doors and windows when you are alone or asleep.
• Keep emergency numbers by your phone.
• Lock up all electronic devices in your room when leaving. 
• Do not leave messages on your door indicating that you are away and when you will return.
• Do not let strangers enter a residence hall or its premises.
• Do not prop open outer doors. If someone asks to use your phone for an emergency call, offer to telephone for them instead of allowing them access.
• Do not put your address on your key ring.
• Know your neighbors.
• Do not leave keys in hiding places. Thieves will find them. Carry your keys or make sure that anyone who truly needs them has their own copy.
• Call 911 or 360-867-6140 to report suspicious persons or activities in or around your neighborhood.
• Open a savings or checking account instead of keeping money/cash in your room.
• Keep automatic teller machine cards in a safe place, and keep your PIN number secret. When possible, only use ATM machines during the day.
• Instead of carrying large sums of cash, use a charge card. Some charge cards insure property purchased with those cards against loss, theft or damage.
• If you find yourself in immediate danger, call 911; try to stay calm and get away at the first opportunity.

Protect Yourself When Walking

• Avoid walking alone at night unless absolutely necessary.
• Make use of Evergreen's Public Safety Assistant student program "CrimeWatch" when walking on campus after dark.
• Call 911 or 360-867-6140 to report suspicious persons or activity in or around your residence.
• Avoid shortcuts and dark, isolated areas.
• Walk purposefully, know where you are going, and project a no-nonsense image.
• Avoid potentially dangerous situations.
• If you feel threatened, cross the street, locate an emergency phone, or enter a building even if you have just left it.
• Have your door keys ready; carry them in your pockets, not buried in a purse.
• If you carry pepper spray, be familiar with how it works and have it available in case you need it.

Protect Yourself When Using Public Transportation

• Have your fare or pass ready in hand when boarding the bus.

• During off hours, ride as near to the driver as possible.

• If someone on the bus bothers you, change seats and tell the driver.

• Look around when getting off the bus and be aware of those around you.

• If you are going to be out late, be sure you have cab fare.

• At night, avoid dark and isolated intersections or stops.

  Protect Yourself from Car Related Crimes

• Reduce your chances of being carjacked by walking to your car purposefully, and stay alert.
• Approach your car with the key in hand. Look around and inside the car before getting in.
• Park in well-lighted areas, near sidewalks or walkways. Avoid parking near dumpsters, wooded areas, large vans or trucks, or anything else that limits your visibility.
• Never leave valuables in plain view even if the car is locked. Put them in the trunk or out of sight.
• Keep doors locked and windows rolled up, no matter how short the distance or how safe the area.
• Look around, especially at places where you slow down or stop such as garages and parking lots, intersections, self-serve gas stations and car washes, highway entry and exit ramps, and ATMs.
• When coming to a stop, leave enough room to maneuver around other cars, especially if you sense trouble and need to get away.
• Avoid driving alone, if possible. Travel with someone, especially at night.
• Don’t stop to assist a stranger whose car has broken down. Help instead by using your cell phone or driving to the nearest phone and calling police to help.
• Always keep your car well maintained, and make sure you have plenty of gas.