Around Campus
- Be observant. Make sure that you are aware of your environment. It is advisable that you familiarize yourself with campus buildings and landmarks.
- Know the route to your destination. When you are lost you naturally feel vulnerable. Locate and memorize the locations of the Blue Light Emergency Phones along your campus route.
- Stay in populated areas of campus buildings and malls. Criminals thrive on anonymity. Your chance of depriving them of that is increased in well populated areas.
- After dark, walk in well lighted areas of campus and the surrounding area. Always remain on campus malls and city sidewalks. Cutting between buildings and through alleys takes you out of the public eye, which is where you want to be.
- Walk in groups. There is safety in numbers.
- Try to "travel light" around campus. Carry all your belongings in one bag. Numerous backpacks, purses, cases, umbrellas and boxes weigh you down. If you need to run or defend yourself, you will want to be able to react quickly.
- If you carry chemical defense spray have it ready. A criminal or would-be attacker is not going to wait for you to retrieve it from your purse, or briefcase.
- Walk with purpose and attitude. Display confidence. Even if you are lost, act like you know where you are going.
- Keep your head up and don't be afraid to make eye contact with people.
- Study in groups when possible. If you seek solitude while studying, try studying at home or in a designated study area provided in WSU Libraries. Always remember that tucking yourself away, off the beaten path, may make you an easier target.
- Never leave property unattended in any campus building or in your car. Theft is common on any campus. However, it can be avoided if you are constantly mindful of your property.
- If you need to step out for a bathroom break or to get a snack, leave your property under the supervision of someone you trust, or take it with you.
- Park your car in well lighted areas where there is a high volume of traffic. WSU structures are routinely patrolled by parking personnel, police officers, and cadets. However, the biggest benefit is the natural surveillance provided by all the students driving in and out or walking to and from their cars.
- If you use a cellphone, radar detector, or CD player in the car, conceal it or take it with you. If it uses a lighter jack, hide the jack out of site and REPLACE THE LIGHTER PLUG.
- Keep anything of even minimal value, in the trunk, if you do not take it with you.
- If you see any suspicious activity or person, call WSU POLICE at 577-2222.
- Always have a backup plan. Plan a secondary route to travel in case there is a major accident or construction tie-up on your usual route.
- If you have had your tires rotated or new tires installed, many times the lug nuts are over tightened and cannot be removed by the average driver. Make sure that they can be removed if it becomes necessary.