With the start of a new semester—and with hundreds of new students on campus—it’s an important time to remind the Case Western Reserve University community of tips to protect themselves and their belongings.
As noted in a security alert sent Saturday, Aug. 31, CWRU police saw a significant number of vehicle break-ins over the weekend, including one attempted motor vehicle theft. To help prevent crimes on our campus (and beyond), CWRU police have provided a few tips to protect your belongings—from vehicles and e-bikes to mobile phones, laptops and more.
Vehicle safety
Over the past two years, CWRU police have seen a significant spike in reports of motor vehicle theft, especially of Kia and Hyundai vehicles.
Whether or not your vehicle is among these models, there are a few common actions you can take to help prevent theft:
- Get a free steering wheel lock, then use it as a physical and visual deterrent. Stop by the Public Safety headquarters (1689 E. 115th St.) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays to pick up a free wheel lock.
- Take your vehicle key with you; do not leave it in or on your vehicle.
- Close and lock all windows and doors when you park.
- Park in well-lit areas, if possible.
- Don’t leave valuables in your vehicle, especially if they can be seen from outside. If you must leave them in your vehicle, secure them in your trunk.
- If leaving your vehicle parked for an extended period of time, check on it often (if possible), or find a friend or colleague who can do so.
Bike safety
Individuals should always register their bikes with CWRU police; undergraduate students who do so will receive a free bike lock. Other tips for bike safety include:
- Secure your bicycle using a U-Lock. Cable locks can be cut easier than you think. A good-quality U-Lock is often unbreakable or requires a lot of time and effort to break.
- Secure your frame and wheels. U-Locks can also be used to secure both your bicycle frame and wheels. If you cannot secure your wheels using a U-Lock, consider using a secondary cable.
- Always secure your bike to a bike rack. Other objects may be easier to manipulate to free your bicycle.
- Register your bicycle with Case Western Reserve University Division of Public Safety. By registering your bicycle, it makes stolen bicycles harder to sell and easier to recover. Individuals also can register with their local police department.
- Keep a photograph and serial number for your bicycle. This includes the registration number, if registered with your local police. This information will come in handy when reporting a stolen bicycle.
Those with e-bikes should ensure they have appropriate bike locks and keep e-bikes in safe, secure locations when not in use.
Personal safety
Keeping our community safe is of the utmost importance to CWRU police. If you ever experience an emergency, call 216.368.3333 immediately, or contact police through the Spartan Safe app or by using one of the 300 blue box phones and 40 blue light phones across campus.
Here are a few tips to attempt to lessen the risk of becoming a victim of crime:
- Be aware of your surroundings. This means taking out your earbuds and keeping your phone in your pocket or bag—out of sight for both you and potential thieves.
- Walk in groups whenever possible—especially at night. Or if you need to walk alone, call a Safe Ride vehicle or a 24/7 walking escort.
- Sign up for training. CWRU police offer self-defense and active-aggressor-response classes, as well as crime prevention and safety presentations for departments, organizations or offices.
- Download the Spartan Safe app so you can contact police—or other important contacts—quickly, submit anonymous tips, ask a friend to track your walk to ensure you make it safely to your destination, and more.
Finally, be sure to log in to Rave to ensure your contact information is up to date. If an emergency occurs, the fastest, most effective way for CWRU to contact you is via your text or push notification from the Spartan Safe app. Make sure your mobile phone number is listed, as well as any additional contact information points you need.
For more information on safety at Case Western Reserve, visit case.edu/publicsafety.