Protecting Your Room/Apartment

• Lock your door even if you are only going to the bathroom next door. A surprising number of thefts from residence hall rooms are accomplished while the resident is on the same floor but has just stepped out for a minute. It takes approximately eight seconds to walk into an open room and steal valuables.
• Lock your door and windows when you are asleep.
• Do not prop open outside building doors that are supposed to be locked. These doors are locked for your protection.
• Do not loan your keys to anyone, including a classmate or friend.
• Do not leave your keys laying around in public places or in loose pockets of jackets or coats.
• Carry your car keys on a separate ring from your residence hall or other keys. Do not put your name or address on or attach your Student ID to the key ring holding your hall keys.
• Use the door viewer rather than opening the door automatically to strangers. Do not just yell "come in."
• If strangers ask to use your phone, do not permit them to enter. Offer to summon help or make the call yourself.
• Report all suspicious activity to the University of Dallas Police Department at 972 721-5305.

Protecting Yourself at Night

• Never walk alone at night unless necessary
• Refrain from taking shortcuts. Walk where there are plenty of lights and traffic.
• Know the number of the University of Dallas Police Department (972) 721-5305, for emergencies only (972) 265-5911).
• The University of Dallas Police Department will provide escort service upon request. Take advantage of it.
• Don't accept rides from strangers.
• Walk at a steady pace with a self-assured stride.
• If you are followed, go directly to a place crowded with people.
• To prevent delays, have your key ready to unlock your door.
• If a driver asks directions, keep your distance while talking.

Be Cautious

Use caution when alone in a laundry facility or carrying trash out at night.
Use caution when entering elevators with unknown persons.
If something seems like trouble, trust your intuition and leave the area.
Check the back seat of your car every time you get in, to determine if someone is hiding there.
When parking at night select an area that will be lighted when you return. Check for loiterers before leaving your car.

Precautions When Jogging Off Campus

• Jog facing traffic, so that you are visually aware of vehicles that may be coming too close to you.
• Do not wear headsets as this may block out the sound of people following you or vehicles coming too close to you.
• Do not give eye contact to either drivers or passengers in vehicles that are coming towards you. (In the minds of many stalkers, eye contact is a signal from you that you want to be followed.)
• Carry a whistle at all times while jogging.
• Know your jogging course well before you jog alone on it for the first time. You need to know if there are areas you go through where you are out of site and easy prey.
• Be aware of any public places along your jogging course where you can run for safety if you need to - places such as convenience stores, restaurants, gas stations, etc.
• Do not respond to anyone calling out to you if you do not know them. This applies to people calling out from a vehicle or other runners trying to get your attention. Keep on running to the nearest safe place.
• Let your friends know when and where you will be jogging, and when they can expect you back. If at all possible, jog with a friend or with a group of friends.
• Never jog after dark.