Protecting Yourself

At the College of Charleston, incidents of violent crimes such as assaults and robberies are infrequent. However, the prevention of crimes should remain in the forefront of your mind. Your best protection against violent crime is to know how to avoid it.

Red emergency light bar and amber warning beacons on the roof of a vehicle, with an out-of-focus building behind.

At Home

  • Report all suspicious activity to the building manager or your landlord.
  • Keep emergency numbers in or near your phone.
  • Keep your doors and windows locked at all times, even if you are at home.
  • Don’t hold the door open for strangers and never buzz them in.
  • Always ask service people to identify themselves before you allow them entry into your home. If you feel uneasy about something, don’t let them in. Call your landlord or the office to verify identity.
  • Report all burnt out light bulbs in the building and on the street.
  • If you lose your keys along with your identification, have the locks changed immediately.
  • Make sure your landlord does not store ladders outside the building.
  • Don’t keep large amounts of cash in your apartment.
  • Always double-check doors and windows before leaving your residence.
  • Draw curtains or blinds after dark.
  • Do not place purses, radios, stereos, TVs or similar articles near windows.
  • Introduce yourself to your neighbors and establish a buddy system.
  • Keep keys in your possession. Don’t place them under mats or other obvious hiding places. If you can find it a burglar can find it, too!
  • Mark all valuables using the Project Identification system.
  • If you return to your residence, even after a brief absence, and you think it has been illegally entered, do not go in. Call the police.

Walking

  • Use well-lit routes. Avoid dark, vacant areas, and those not frequented by other pedestrians.
  • Avoid walking at night. Walk in a group of two or more if you have to travel at night.
  • Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Avoid distractions like talking on your cell phone or trying to find something in your bag or purse.
  • Notify your local law enforcement agency if you observe suspicious people or activities. The community is the eyes and ears of police.
  • Carry a noise-making device such as a whistle. Do not hesitate to make a commotion if you feel you are in danger. Yell “back off,” “get away” or other statements that won’t be misconstrued for horseplay.

Driving

  • Have your key ready when you approach your car. Make sure no one is hiding under or in your car — check under it as you approach and look inside before getting in. Don’t forget to check the back seat or hatchback.
  • Lock your doors immediately upon entering the car.
  • Drive on well-traveled streets and keep your car in gear while it is stopped.
  • Allow at least one car-length space between your car and the car in front of you so you can escape should someone try to get into your car.
  • Keep doors locked and windows shut. Keep valuables out of sight by covering them or putting them in the trunk.
  • If your car breaks down, open the hood and then remain inside your car. Ask anyone who offers help to call for assistance, but do not open your window or door.
  • If you suspect you are being followed, drive to the nearest well-lit public area and call the police.
  • Beware if someone in another vehicle bumps you from behind. If you suspect that you were bumped intentionally, lock your doors and do not get out of the vehicle. Ask the other driver to contact the police and call them yourself.

Using Atms

  • Use ATMs during the day. If you must go at night, do not go alone.
  • Avoid ATMs that are not clearly visible from the street.
  • Be aware of people loitering or sitting in cars.
  • Prepare your transaction ahead of time. Spend as little time as possible at the ATM.
  • Memorize your Personal Identification Number (PIN) — never keep a written copy of it in your wallet or purse and do not write it on your bank card. Do not give out your PIN. Thieves will attempt to find out your PIN by calling you and claiming that they are the police, security officers or bank officers.
  • Keep your receipt or destroy it. Thieves can acquire valuable information from your receipt, including your account number and balance.