Crime Prevention
By being aware of your surroundings and having a plan if something happens, you can contribute to a safe campus both for other people and for yourself. See what you can do to protect personal safety, as well as services we offer to keep campus secure.
Safe Walk
If you feel unsafe walking to your destination, officers are available to walk with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, whether you're a student, faculty or staff.
Security Services
Find out what we can do to help you facilitate a safer environment.
Common Violations
If a crime does occur, officers use discretion to address the violation with most the appropriate type of enforcement action. See common violations, as well as common enforcement actions.
Theft Prevention at College
Attending college may be your first extended experience away from home. It's important to keep you and your stuff safe while you're here.
Preventing ID Theft
According to the Wisconsin Office of Privacy Protection, people ages 18 to 29, continue to account for almost 30% of all identity theft complaints. The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) provides 10 student tips to prevent identity theft.
Preventing Personal Property Theft
Your property is your responsibility. If you are leaving it, secure it. Here are some tips to keep your personal property safe at college:
- Don't leave money or valuables in the open.
- Don't bring expensive jewelry or irreplaceable items to school.
- Mark your personal items in a permanent way, such as with an engraver.
- Make sure your room is locked when you leave.
- Don't leave your property unattended.
- Don't expect your roommates to safeguard your belongings in your room.
Preventing Bike Crime
Thieves are opportunistic; most prefer to steal bikes that are unlocked or have locks that are easily broken. Here are some tips to keep your bike from being stolen:
- Always lock your bike with a reliable lock; it only takes a few seconds.
- Lock your bike to a fixed, immovable object, such as a bike rack.
- Take care that your bike can't be lifted over the top of the object to which it is locked.
- Lock your bike through the frame, not a wheel or other part that can be easily detached.
- Secure your bike in a well-used, public area with good lighting. Secluded or dark areas provide the best opportunity for theft.
Preventing Auto Theft or Theft From an Auto
If you have a car at college, it's important to take precautions to keep if from bring stolen or broken into. Here are a few tips:
- Always roll up your windows and lock your car even if you'll only be gone a short time.
- Put valuables out of sight in the arm rest, glove box or trunk. Thieves are opportunistic and may be motivated by items which are visible inside.
- Try to park in a well-lit area.
- If you have a car alarm, use it!
- Know your occupants. Don't give rides to strangers or people you don't trust.
Annoying or Harassing Phone Calls
Receiving unwanted calls can be frustrating and sometimes frightening. However, in most cases, the calls can be stopped by using some simple but effective techniques.
How to Handle Abusive, Harassing or Obscene Calls
These calls are made for any number of reasons and often they're placed by someone you know. The key to handling the calls is do not react to them. Reacting could encourage the caller. Often calls are a result of broken relationships, an unhappy employee, neighborhood disputes or people who simply hang up if someone other than the person they're calling answers.
- Hang up when you realize the call is intended to harass you.
- Keep track of the date and time of the calls to determine the pattern. This can help us identify possible suspects.
- Inform the caller that the phone company is going to trace your calls.
How to Handle Threatening Calls
If you receive a call threatening harm to your life, property or family:
- Hang up the phone
- Write down the time of the call, or be sure NOT to delete your call log
- Immediately Notify University Police
Let's Connect
We focus on community-based policing, connecting with the people we serve, to help stop crime before they start. We are here to help if you have any questions about crime prevention on campus.