Stop Theft

On Campus

• When parking you car on campus make sure all belongings are out of site.  When purses, laptops and/or valuables are left on the seat or in the open you are inviting a theft to happen.  Be proactive and keep those items out of site, in the trunk or at home.
• Be especially aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Use discretion and caution when taking shortcuts through isolated parts of campus. Use the buddy system or walk in a group.
• Keep personal belongings in view while in class, the library or lab.  Do not leave any items unattended.
• Program your cell phone with the on duty Campus Safety Officer cell at (661) 510-3882    (661) 362-3229 Office
• Learn self-defense techniques by enrolling in a Self-Defense class.
• Use the Escort service by calling Campus Escort at (661) 259-7800 ext. 0.
• Contact Campus Safety to report a crime or if you see anything suspicious.

Using ATM Machines

• If you feel threatened while using the ATM, push the cancel button to cancel your transaction. Just walk away and complete your transaction later.
• If you must use an ATM at night take another person with you. (Buddy System)
• Use machines that are inside buildings or in well-lighted areas.

Driving a Car

• Have your keys in your hand as you approach your car.
• Lock your doors when driving and after parking.
• Check the back seat and floor.
• Always keep at least a half tank of gas in your car.
• Maintain the car in good running condition.
• Keep your valuables out of sight, under the seat, in the glove compartment or trunk.
• Park in well-lighted areas.
• Keep an emergency kit containing a flashlight, flares, telephone change, distress signs and other essentials in your car.

On the Telephone

• Be wary of telephone surveys.
• List only your first initial and last name in the telephone directory.
• Think about the information you give out over the telephone and to people you don't know well. Tell roommates and housemates not to give information by phone about who is home, who is out, how long anyone is expected to be out.
• Never reveal your number to a wrong number caller.
• If you receive a threatening or obscene phone call, hang up blow a loud whistle or leave the phone off the hook. Contact the police and make a report.
• Answering machines may be used to screen calls. Your outgoing message should not say that you are away from home.

On an Elevator

• Check the inside of an elevator before entering. Wait for the next elevator if you are unsure of the people inside.
• When riding an elevator, stand by the control board. If you feel in danger, press all the buttons and get off the elevator as soon as possible.

If Attacked...Self-Defense

• If someone tries to grab your purse, let it go.  Most injuries from robberies occur when people resist and refuse to comply with the robber's demands.
• If you are attacked, whether you resist and how you resist will depend on your personal resources and your personal values. Give some thought right now to what you would do in various situations that could arise. The more you have thought about this ahead of time, the more likely you will be to act in the way you've planned.
• Have you taken a self-defense class? Do you think you could hit or kick someone who is attacking you? Do you know how to get away from someone grabbing you? What objects could you use to defend yourself?

If You Are Sexually Assaulted

• Go to a safe place that has a phone.
• Call the police, rape crisis hotline, a friend or family member. Tell someone.
• DO NOT wash hands, bathe, shower, douche, change clothes or straighten up the area. This destroys evidence.
•  If you do not report, try to write down the details of the assault and save them in case you change your mind.
• Whether you report or not, get medical attention for treatment of external and/or internal injuries and test for sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy.
• Take time to recover. Get counseling.