NEWS FROM ADMINISTRATIVE AFFAIRS

Don't Contribute to Your Own Victimization!
Unfortunately, many crime victims make themselves vulnerable to their own victimization. Criminals “look for opportunities.” More than 90 percent of prevention is understanding circumstances that might contribute to your own victimization. Eliminate the opportunities that you could be providing criminals.

Try this quiz:

• Do you lock the door to your residence at all times?

  Most burglaries are unlocked residences. If the door is unlocked, the predator walks in. If you’re there, they ask for change for a five-dollar bill, or something else plausible. If you’re not there, they steal valuables and leave in about 15 seconds.

• Do you keep your valuables in predictable places?

  Your desk and bureau tops, desk drawer and the two drawers at the top of your bureau are generally where your valuables are. Criminals know this. Find somewhere else or lock them up.

• Do you allow people to “tail-gate” into your residence hall or elevator?

  That’s usually how they get into the building.

• Do you use a U-Lock on your bicycle?

  Cable-locks don’t work in urban environments. They can be cut with hand-tools in less than two minutes.

• When you park your car, are the windows rolled all the way up?

  A one-half inch air crack is enough for the criminal to pull the glass out of the window track.

• If you keep anything of value in your car, is it always hidden from view?

  Theft from autos isn’t “random.” Thieves see stuff and smash your window to get it.

• Do you drink alcohol heavily or use drugs?

  Intoxicated people make easy victims.

Criminals are not stupid. They are experienced opportunists. If you provide opportunities, they will happily make you a victim. Protect yourself; eliminate opportunity.