Security Tips: On Campus, Off Campus, Property and Identity
Halls of Residence
For Campus Police Monitoring Station, dial 876-702-4334 or 876-551-0136
For Campus Security (McKay Security), dial 876-505-8909
For Mona Police, dial 876-837-7192
Campus Offices and Labs
Be sure doors are locked whenever you leave an unattended office or lab.
Never leave door propped open or leave keys in a cabinet or desk drawer.
It is not advisable to tape extra keys under desk drawers or in file cabinets.
Don't unlock entire floors or department areas if only a single door or work area will provide the necessary access for you.
Secure computer equipment, balance scales and other small portable items to a fixed surface using manufacturer's security devices or cable locks available from Protective Services.
When leaving your office or lab for the day, make sure that all windows are closed and locked, all valuables and confidential materials are locked up and all desks, files and doors are locked.
Secure purses, cellphones, backpacks, briefcases or laptop computers in locked cabinets, closets or other safe areas.
Report any suspicious activity by dialing either of the following numbers: Campus Police Monitoring Station, dial 876-702-4334 or 876-551-0136
Campus Police Patrol 876-551-0134 or 876-564-6253 or 876 876-564-6261 or 876-564-6263
Escort Service
Campus Security also provides pedestrian and mobile security escorts at nights. To assist persons who may feel the need to be accompanied from one point of the campus to another and to residences and other drop-off points near to the campus (example UTC).
Persons requiring this service are encouraged to contact the Campus Police Monitoring Station, dial 876-702-4334 or 876-551-0136 and state the type of escort they need (pedestrian/mobile).
Store your backpack and briefcase in a secure place when not in use.
Don't carry cash, credit cards or other valuables in them.
Do not leave your backpack, cellphone or briefcase unattended in the library, classrooms, conference rooms or labs, while at lunch or using the rest room.
Laptop Computers
Lock your laptop computer in a secure cabinet when not in use.
Don't leave your laptop computer unattended or in plain sight.
Mark or engrave your laptop computer with your driver's license number or other traceable number.
Record the serial and model numbers of your laptop computer and keep them in a separate, secure location.
Use a cable locking device to temporarily secure your laptop computer while it is being used. Secure the key in a safe place.
Avoid keeping all your back-up files (eg. jump-drives) with the laptop.
If You Live Off Campus
Keep your doors and windows closed and locked.
Always identify visitors before letting them in.
Request that service people show identification before you open the door.
Use a timer to turn on lights and a radio on and off, if you will arrive home late or will be away for a period of time.
Keep police and emergency numbers near your telephone.
Do not lend your keys to service people or anyone you do not know and trust.
If a stranger asks to use your telephone, do not open the door, offer to call for them.
Report any unusual or suspicious activity near your home to the local police.
Credit/Debit Cards and Personal Cheques
Keep credit/debit cards, personal cheques and cash in a safe place.
Shop with credit cards or cheques when possible. They are less likely to be stolen than cash.
Keep a record of all credit /debit card account numbers and telephone numbers associated with these accounts.
Photocopy both front and back of all your credit cards and keep the copies in a secure location.
Do not keep Personal Identification Numbers (PIN) in any location that may be associated with the cards they activate.
Do not give account numbers over the telephone or by mail unless certain of the company's service and credibility.
Always keep credit/debit card receipts and ask for the carbons.
Report the loss of theft of credit/debit cards immediately to the issuing authority.
File a police report in the jurisdiction where the card was stolen. This proves to credit providers that you are diligent and is the first step toward an investigation.
ATM Safety
Be alert at all times when using any ATM.
Avoid using an ATM in an isolated or poorly lighted area after dark.
Be accompanied by another person when using an ATM after dark.
Refrain from displaying cash. Place cash in your pocket or purse as soon as the transaction is completed.
If you notice anyone or anything that seems suspicious when using or considering the use an ATM, don't make the transaction; use another ATM or return at a later time.
Report all crimes to the operator of the ATM or to local law enforcement officials.
Protect your ATM or Debit Card as you would cash or a credit card and never let anyone else use it.
Memorize your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Do not write it on your card or leave it in your wallet.
Driving/Parking Lots and stopping
Have your key ready when you approach your vehicle.
Check before you get in to make sure no one is hiding near or inside the vehicle.
Get in quickly, lock the door and drive away.
Drive on well traveled streets and never pick up hitchhikers.
Keep your car in gear while stopped, with all the windows up and doors locked. If someone approaches your car while stopped, be prepared to step on the gas.
If followed by a vehicle go to an occupied and lighted location (eg. gas station, police station) and summon police.
If you are deliberately forced to stop your vehicle, keep the doors locked, turn on the lights and sound the horn.
When you park, use a well-lighted, designated parking area if at all possible.
If you carry valuables in your car, keep them out of sight in the trunk.
Harassing or Obscene Telephone Calls
Hang up if no one answers after your second "Hello."
Hang up immediately after the first obscenity is uttered.
Don't include your name or telephone number in the outgoing message on your answering machine.
Never give your name, address or personal information to strangers over the phone.
If an obscene or harassing message is left on your home answering machine, retain the tape for later use by law enforcement.
If an obscene or harassing message is left on your office voice mail, do not erase it. Retain the tape for later use by law enforcement.
Information Security
Erase confidential materials from chalkboards before leaving.
Shred materials before discarding them.
Do not leave confidential materials unprotected overnight.
Lock file cabinets and desks at the close of each work day.
Store your laptop computer and diskettes/jump drives out of sight in a locked cabinet.
Be extra careful about computer passwords.
Use encrypting software for e-mail communications.
Secure desk-top and laptop computers with cable locks or other locking devices.
Fire Alarms
Never assume that a fire alarm is false.
Follow the established fire plan and evacuation procedure for your building if an alarm should sound.
Campus Police Monitoring Station, dial 876-702-4334 or 876-551-0136
