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Be aware of your surroundings:

• One of the most powerful tools a criminal has is the element of surprise. Don't give them that advantage. While walking, make it a habit to frequently glance behind you and check your surroundings. Stay aware of who is around you. Many people get caught up in their own thoughts, reading, or listening to music, which can make them oblivious to their surroundings. This distraction allows an attacker to approach you without being noticed-- by the time they realize what is happening, it's often too late to escape. 
• Also, avoid walking near dark, shadowy, or densely vegetated areas, as these places offer hiding spots for potential attackers. When walking alone, give these "danger zones" a wide berth. If necessary, cross the street or take a slightly longer route to stay clear of these risks. A small inconvenience is far less significant than the potential harm of being caught off guard. Stay alert and don't let these areas catch you by surprise.

Protect your wallet / purse

• No one plans to lose their wallet or purse, but it can happen. Some people treat their wallets or purses like status symbols, stuffing them with as many credit cards and as much cash as possible. While it might seem impressive, if lost, it can make you an easy target for thieves. Instead, carry only what you need for the day and keep the rest securely at home in a safe place.

Check credit card statements

• Always review your statements! (It’s easier to do this before you shred them). While unauthorized charges aren’t extremely common, they do happen. Every time you use your credit card, you’re sharing your card number with someone, often a stranger. There have been cases where dishonest cashiers have kept that number and made unauthorized purchases. You don’t need to have your physical card stolen to fall victim to credit card fraud. If you spot any suspicious transactions, report them to your credit card company right away and notify the police.

Think before you drink

• Alcohol affects the brain, impairing our ability to make sound decisions. When under the influence, people may take risks they would never consider when sober. The use of alcohol and other drugs can lead to a range of consequences, including academic setbacks like missed classes or poor performance, social problems, and even legal issues.
• CWRU Police encourages you to follow state and federal laws as well as the Alcohol Use Policy.
•  Remember:
  • The drinking age is 21 in Ohio
  • Fake IDs are illegal
  • Driving under the influence is illegal
  • Being under the influence is not an excuse for committing a crime
• Tips for safety socializing:
  • Keep others informed about where you are and what you’re doing. When attending social events, go with a group of friends—arrive together, check in with one another throughout the night, and leave together.
  • There are plenty of ways to be social without drinking.
  • If you are of legal drinking age and choose to drink, know your limits and stick to them. Look into additional strategies for minimizing risks.
  • Mixing alcohol with other substances, including prescription medications, can be hazardous. Always follow your healthcare provider's advice and have an honest conversation with them about your alcohol use.
  • Never drink and drive. Use a cab, Uber, a sober friend, or public transportation.
  • If you plan to walk home after drinking, stick to small groups of trusted friends, with at least some who are sober.

Trust your instincts

• Don’t ignore that inner voice or gut feeling when something doesn’t feel right. If you sense danger or discomfort, remove yourself from the situation as soon as it’s safe to do so.
• Pay attention to behaviors or attitudes that could indicate potential trouble, whether from friends, dates, or strangers.
  • Does the person show a lack of respect?
  • Do they try to control all the decisions?
  • Are they pressuring you to drink or use drugs?
• Any of these red flags should raise concern. Since every situation is unique, consider calling 911 if it’s an emergency, reach out to campus or community resources for help with safety planning, or explore other ways to safely remove yourself from the situation.

Be street smart

• Know your destination and plan the safest route to get there. Avoid taking shortcuts through secluded or poorly lit areas. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that allow you to move quickly if needed, and avoid carrying too many items, as they can make you appear vulnerable.
• If you're biking or jogging, try to find a friend to join you. Not only will it make your workout more enjoyable, but it’s also safer. Avoid wearing headphones, as they can distract you and make it harder to stay aware of your surroundings. Stick to well-populated areas, and consider changing your routine from time to time. Stalkers can be patient, waiting for the right moment to strike, so varying your schedule, routes, and times can help keep you safe and off their radar.

Safety First

• Wear a helmet. It could save your life!
• Avoid distractions such as listening to music.
• Look for obstacles in the road, such as storm drains.
• Make eye contact with drivers and pedestrians when possible.
• If riding in the dark, wear reflective materials and brightly colored clothing visible from 300 feet.
• Register your bike with Public Safety and receive a free u-lock.

Riding around Campus

• Bikes are permitted on brick paths, but pedestrians have the right-of-way.
• Alert pedestrians by saying, “Passing on your left/right” or by ringing a bell.
• Ride at a safe and reasonable speed and be considerate of others using the path.
• If riding in the road, take the lane and only move to the right if safe for cars to pass.
• Try not to be hesitant or do things that motorists and other travelers may not be expecting.
• When passing parked cars, watch for people opening doors and leave a buffer between the cars.
• Be aware of “Right Hook” situations. Cars may be turning when cyclists are going straight through an intersection.

Follow Ohio Traffic Laws

• Ride on the right in the same direction as other traffic.
• Obey all traffic signs and signals.
• Equip bicycles with a front lamp visible from 300 feet and a red rear light that is visible from a distance of 300 feet.
• Use hand signals to communicate intended movements.

Laws

• It is illegal for mopeds to operate on sidewalks and/or in bike lanes.
• You may not park at bike racks, sign posts, trees, on the grass, stairways, etc.
• Mopeds are to…
• Follow all traffic laws just like any other motor vehicle.
  • Yield to pedestrians
  • Park in designated areas

Be Visible

• If a motorist doesn’t see you, don’t be afraid to use your horn.
• Remember that motorists often have trouble seeing motorcycles and reacting in time.
• Make sure your headlight works and is on day and night.
• Be aware of the blind spots cars and trucks have.
• Flash your brake light when you are slowing down and before stopping.

Dress for Safety

• Remember – the only thing between you and the road is your protective gear.
• Wear bright or reflective clothing, long pants, and a light-colored helmet.
• Wear leather or other thick, protective clothing.

Apply Effective Driving Strategies

• S.E.E.
  • Search for potential hazards
  • Evaluate any possible hazards
  • Execute proper action to avoid.
• Give yourself space and time to respond to other motorists’ actions.
• Give other motorists time and space to respond to you.
• Use lane positioning to be seen; ride in the part of a lane where you are most visible.
• Watch for turning vehicles.
• Avoid weaving between lanes.
• Know and follow the rules of the road, and stick to the speed limit.
• Stay out of traffic, as much as possible.

Pedestrian

• Download the Spartan Ride App to schedule a Safe Ride to help you get around safely at night
• Establish eye contact with the driver before entering a crosswalk.
• Observe all lanes before crossing. Even though one vehicle has stopped, vehicles may pass in another lane or in an opposite direction.
• Cross the street within the marked lines of the crosswalk.
• If crossing the street at a place other than within a designated crosswalk or intersection, the vehicle has the right-of-way.
• Use good judgment. Watch traffic at all times.
• Avoid distractions, such as texting or talking on the phone, when crossing the road.
• Walk in well lit areas at night and try to walk in groups.

Drivers

• Failure to yield to a pedestrian within a marked crosswalk is a violation of Ohio law.
• Be attentive when traveling through crosswalks and be prepared to stop.
• Do not pass other vehicles stopped for pedestrians on your side of the roadway.
• If turning with a green light, a pedestrian crossing with the same green light has the right-of-way.

Identity Security

A new trend in thievery is stealing a person’s identity. In today’s computerized, cashless world the loss of a wallet can be the start of a nightmare for a person. Thieves today are very adept at assuming your identity and your credit. Many businesses accept a credit card number over the telephone or over e-commerce transactions without further forms of identity. The two best tips for your protection… buy a personal paper shredder and never leave a purse or wallet unsecured for even a second.

Shredding Personal Documents

For the cost of about $35 you can buy a personal paper shredder from any local office supply store. Credit card receipts, bank statements, credit card offers and many other items contain identity information including your account number. Thieves will literally rummage through your trash or the local land-fill looking for these documents. Once they find them they can open accounts in your name and destroy your credit. Shredding these items can prevent thieves from obtaining the information they need to make your life miserable. Today mortgage consolidation loan companies will even send real checks to homeowners for huge amounts of money. Just sign on the dotted line and the money is yours. More often than not these unsolicited checks end up in the trash intact. The same applies to credit card applications you receive unsolicited in the mail. To identity thieves these are like hitting the lottery. Shred these types of documents you receive. It’s worth the time.

Phishing Scam

Phishing is a newer scam which appears to come from a bona fide source and asks you to enter your personal information, typically under the guise of “verifying” information the company needs to validate or update your account status. Phishers may send out thousands of pop-up windows or spam emails in an attempt to get one response. The phishing emails may have spelling or other errors in the message, but don’t let that be your only guide to the veracity of the message. Many phishers are quite sophisticated, and their websites or links may appear authentic. A good rule to follow: don’t click on any links in a suspect message, even out of curiosity. Some of the links, which may look valid, actually redirect to another website and may even download a bit of code to retrieve information from your computer. If you receive an email you suspect may be a phishing attempt, delete the email from your inbox. Do not respond, do not click on any links, and if you suspect something is awry with your account, contact the company via a reputable point of contact, not the information found in the email. Also, contact the police to report this.

Nigerian Scam

The Nigerian scam has been around in several forms, and is now making the email rounds. Again, the email is sent to many computer users in the hope of getting just one to comply with the request in the letter. The basis of this scam is a hard-luck letter from someone who claims to have a great deal of money in a foreign country, and they need your help (and bank account number) to access the money. Basically, if you allow them to use your bank account to transfer money, they will cut you in on a share of the money in return. Of course, there is no other money – except yours, which they can now access with your bank account information. This is a scam which has worked well in the past, even in person at parking lots where it’s referred to as “the pigeon drop.”

The #1 Mistake

You probably know this one already. Nearly all of the residential burglaries occurring on campus involve entry being made through an unlocked (though often closed) door. Even if you are just going a few doors away from your room or apartment, or even next door, lock your door. It is a fact that most residential burglaries on campus involve the taking of very little property; usually a wallet, money or some other small item, and the thief needs only a matter of minutes, even seconds, to perpetrate the crime. Believing that leaving your room or apartment unlocked for short periods of time won’t afford a crook enough time to victimize you is wrong. Always, always, always lock that door.

Roommate Theft

Think about what you really know about the person you’re now living with. Is it an old friend from home or someone you just met at the start of the semester? Few people want to think about distrusting their roommates. Unfortunately in the real world, thefts do occur between people who live together. The easiest way to prevent this from occurring, and the subsequent uneasiness of having to live with someone you suspect of stealing your property, is the purchase of a small personal safe or lockable foot locker. Both are relatively inexpensive and can save so much aggravation in the long run. We recommend that you place all of your expensive jewelry, wallet and precious items in one of these devices whenever you plan to be away from your room, or when entertaining even a small group of people. Let’s face it. Not everyone who comes to your room is someone you know well. Oftentimes friends bring their friends, who sometimes bring their friends and before you know it strangers are filling your place. Can you trust them implicitly?

Home Safety

Regardless of what type of home you have most of these tips apply to you. Before you reach the door make sure you have the door key in your hand. Fumbling for a key when a stranger is approaching makes you vulnerable to attack. Note the condition of your home as you approach and before entering. Are lights on that weren’t when you left? Is the door ajar? Is there damage to a door or window? If you think someone might be in your home that doesn’t belong there, DO NOT ENTER. Leave and call the police.

In high-rise apartments and dormitory buildings elevators are a way of life. Try not to enter an elevator alone or when a single male rider is aboard. When you are on an elevator, try to stand near the control panel and note the location of the emergency alarm button. If attacked, hit that alarm button.

If you live on campus and notice lights out in and around residence facilities or any other safety hazard, you can report them directly to Campus Planning and Facilities Management at 216.368.2580 or CWRU Police at 216.368.3300..

Safe Ride carries students, faculty and staff around campus and part of University Circle. The service is an after-hours addition to public transportation. It runs seven days a week, between 6 p.m. and 3 a.m. There are three ways to request a Safe Ride:

• Visit saferide.case.edu
• Call 216.368.3000
• Download “CWRU Spartan Ride” from the iPhone App Store or Google Play.

You can also request a walking or vehicle escort 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To request, call 216.368.3300