The vast majority of crimes in residence halls involve the theft of personal property. Surprisingly few of these crimes involve "forced entry." Most of these crimes occur when doors are left unlocked. The following measures can help ensure security.

• Lock the door to your room when leaving or going to bed, even for a short time. Locking your door is the single most effective action to take to prevent theft.
• A card access system has been installed in all residence halls. Do not prop open locked residence hall doors. If you see a propped door, close it.
• Never lend your key or access card to anyone.
• Avoid being in the laundry rooms alone at night.
• Do not leave notes on your door announcing that no one is in.
• Keep your small items of value (purses, wallets, money, or jewelry) out of sight. Be careful to watch your purse and valuables in lounges, libraries & dining halls.
• Use Operation ID to engrave large items of value.
• Do not invite people into your residence hall unless you know them reasonably well.
• Be observant of any strangers loitering or checking doors in your building. Note their description and call University Police immediately.
• Report all thefts immediately to University Police at 645-2222.

Emergency phones are available in the main entrances (indicated by a blue light) of residence halls.

• Lock your doors even when at home. Use sturdy dead-bolt locks. Change locks when you move to a new place.
• Never open your door without knowing who is on the other side. Install a view-finder in the door and require salespeople and workers to show I.D.
• Leave lights on when you go out. Use automatic light timers when out of town.
• List only first initial and last name on mailbox and in telephone directory.
• Answering machine messages should not indicate you are on vacation or not home.
• If strangers telephone or come to your door, don't admit that you're alone.
• Do not rent an apartment or house that does not have smoke detectors. By law, owners are required to install them. Keep batteries fresh.
• Have a safety inspection of your home or apartment done by the Division of Housing and Property Inspections (716-851-4949).
• Know your tenant rights. Contact your Community Center or Group Legal Services.
• Consider purchasing renter's insurance, or see if you are covered under your parents' insurance.
• For information on Operation Identification, various alarm systems, and other security devices, contact University Police at (716) 645-2227.

If you receive a "crank" phone call, follow these suggestions:

• As soon as you hear an obscenity, an improper question, or no response, hang up.
• Don't play detective. Don't extend the call trying to figure out who is calling. This is the type of reaction the caller wants and needs.
• Don't try to be clever. A witty response may be interpreted as encouragement.
• Don't let the caller know that you are upset or angry.
• Never volunteer your name to an unknown caller.
• Place ads with caution. If you must use your phone number, don't list your address. Crank callers are avid readers of classified ads.
• Report any annoying calls to University Police. Keep a phone log including the date and time, the type of call, a voice description, and background noise. A worksheet for this is available through University Police.