SAFETY TIPS
Many of these suggestions might seem obvious; but, each year the University Police Department addresses incidents that involve the neglect or forget of these fundamental practices.  Encourage your student to be responsible for themselves and their property.  Take a few moments to review these recommendations with them.  Remind them to be vigilant and practice safe habits on a regular basis. They will be safer for doing so; and, their property will be better safeguarded.

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PERSONAL SAFETY TIPS

• Walk in groups when traveling at night.
• Stay in well-lit areas as much as possible.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Trust your instincts, especially when you think something may be wrong.
• Walk confidently, directly, at a steady pace. Don’t appear vulnerable.
• Talking on a cell phone limits ability monitor your surroundings. Carry one, but avoid using it.
• If you think you are being followed, walk quickly to a lit area where there are other people.
• Use caution when people stop you for directions or money. Always reply from a distance.
• If you are in trouble or feel you are in danger, don't be afraid to attract help any way you can. Scream, yell or run away to safety.
• Always lock your car when getting in and out.
• Look inside and around your car before you get in.
• Be aware people in parking areas or near your vehicle.
• If you think you are being followed, drive to a public place or a police station.
• If you choose to carry any type of lawful personal defense item, give careful consideration to your ability and willingness to use it.
• If you are planning to be away from campus, notify roommates, neighbors and parents where you are going and when you will be returning. If plans change or you are running late, let them know.

PROPERTY SAFETY TIPS
While crimes against persons are rare, crimes of opportunity - the theft of unsecured personal property (laptop computers, cellular telephones, text books, scientific calculators, PDAs, bicycles, etc.) are more common at Cal Poly.  Though students may feel safe in the residence halls, the library or a classroom, there will always be individuals who will choose to steal when tempted by opportunity to take unattended and unsecured property that might easily sold.

• Don’t leave personal property items unsecured and/or unattended, even if there are numerous persons in an area you might ask to watch your belongings.
• If you have a bicycle, invest in a decent locking mechanism. Cheap locks provide little security. Use the lock, even if it takes a few moments to deploy.
• License your bicycle with the University Police Department. While campus regulations state it is mandatory, the UPD encourages each and every bicycle owner to utilize this free service.
• Record the serial numbers of all expensive items brought to the University - cellular telephones, PDAs, computers, iPods/mp3 players, etc.
• Lock your vehicle. Secure the windows. Don’t leave property unsecured in the cargo bed of a truck.
• Practice good security measures: close and lock doors and windows at night and when you are away.

FRAUD PROTECTION TIPS

• Get a copy of your own credit report every six months and check for credit card or checking accounts you did not open.
• Never give your credit card number to by phone or the Internet.
• Read your monthly statements carefully and report discrepancies immediately.
• Rip up or shred old checks and bills before discarding.
• Don’t use your Social Security Card for anything other than employment or share it with anyone who doesn’t need it.
• Guard the Personal Identification Number (PIN) you use on your various credit cards. Don't write them down in your personal planner, and don't leave them on a slip of paper in your purse or wallet.
• Get in the habit of asking "Why?" when people request financial information.
• Any email you receive that sounds like a great deal isn’t.
• If you sell anything online and you are paid by a cashier’s check, cash it and wait at least 10 days for it to fully clear the bank before sending the item to the new owner. Anyone who sends you too much money for an item and then asks that you send them the balance back has sent you a fraudulent check and is trying to steal your money. Their story is a lie.

TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY TIPS
The Cal Poly campus is open to through traffic. This means people drive from one side of campus to another, using roadways that lead directly through the campus core. More than 20,000 individuals arrive and depart campus throughout a regular business day. Many of these individuals drive to campus, park and walk to class or to work. Others arrive by bus. Hundreds ride bicycles. As a result, roadways are often congested with passenger vehicle traffic, buses, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

• If you drive, drive extra safely on campus. The speed limit is 25 MPH in most areas, and often, that speed is too fast given certain traffic conditions.
• Bicyclists are expected to abide by the bicycle traffic laws. Stop signs apply. Bicyclists must yield to pedestrians and are restricted from riding on sidewalks and walkways.
• As a pedestrian, use the crosswalk. You are required to stop and wait for traffic before crossing any roadway. Vehicles have the right of way until you enter the roadway, and you are required to wait at the curb before entering until it is safe to do so.