Prevention is the key to a safe campus. At Case Western Reserve University, we offer a number of important crime-prevention measures, such as:
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Safe Ride, an after-hours shuttle service;
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Walking escorts, who will escort you safely to your destination at any time of day;
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On-campus shuttles, which take you around campus and to nearby neighborhoods for free;
In addition, the university sends emergency text, voice and email messages through Rave alerts. We also encourage the use of the free Rave Guardian smartphone app to report an emergency and help police and other first responders find you quickly.
Crime-Prevention Tips
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Be aware of your surroundings as you move around campus. That means, for example, removing your headphones while walking or jogging and noticing people approaching you.
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Limit how much you talk or text on your cellphone while walking or riding public transportation.
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When moving around campus at night, walk with friends or use one of the transport options (shuttle bus, Safe Ride, walking escort, etc.).
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If you leave your office or room for any length of time, lock the door. Do not leave valuables such as purses, wallets laptops or cell phones unattended.
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Consider using a steel U-Lock style lock for locking your bike.
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Keep your junk in your trunk! Don't leave valuable objects visible in your car; secure them in your trunk whenever possible.
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Always lock your vehicle, close all windows and sunroof.
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Document serial numbers of your electronics and take photos of your valuables.
- Give out your personal information as little as possible to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft. Never throw credit card statements or other items containing personal information in the trash without shredding first.
Bike Safety Tips
- Secure your bicycle using a U-Lock. Cable locks can be cut easier than you think. A good-quality U-Lock is often unbreakable or requires a lot of time and effort to break. (Undergraduate students get a free U-Lock when they register their bikes with Case Western Reserve police.)
- Secure your frame and wheels. U-Locks can also be used to secure both your bicycle frame and wheels. If you cannot secure your wheels using a U-Lock, consider using a secondary cable.
- Always secure your bike to a bike rack. Other objects may be easier to manipulate to free your bicycle.
- Register your bicycle with Case Western Reserve police. By registering your bicycle, it makes stolen bicycles harder to sell and easier to recover. Members of the Case Western Reserve community should register their bikes—for free—with CWRU police. Individuals also can register with their local police department.
- Keep a photograph and serial number for your bicycle. This includes the registration number, if registered with your local police. This information will come in handy when reporting a stolen bicycle.