Bicycle Theft
In recent years, Spring Arbor University and the surrounding neighborhoods have gone through periods during which the area was targeted by bicycle thieves. From 2003-2005, approximately $2,500 worth of bicycles was stolen from students, faculty, staff and guests while on campus.
Here are steps you can take to deter bicycle theft and, if it does occur, to help in the possible recovery of your bicycle: Read More…
- Lock your bicycle. We suggest using one of our campus bike racks or light posts. Also, make sure it’s in a well-lighted area. Always secure your lock through the frame as well as both wheels. Do not merely lock your bicycle to itself, but to something solid. Also, make sure that your lock is adequate for the task. Bike thieves often check out bike racks looking for “bargains,” the best bike with the cheapest looking lock.
- Record the serial number of your bicycle. If your bicycle is stolen, report the theft to the police and give them the serial number. If the bicycle is recovered it can then be returned to you immediately.
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Textbook Theft
In recent years, SAU students have been the targets of thieves who steal textbooks in order to sell them back. They may also be in search of other valuables students leave in their book bags. Here are some steps you can take to prevent this: Read More…
- Always put your name in your book. This will also be very helpful if your book is misplaced.
- Avoid leaving your books unattended, including in the library and on the racks by the dining commons.
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Protecting Your Vehicle
Vehicles in parking lots always present a target for thieves. Here are some steps you can take to diminish the chance that your car will be broken into or stolen: Read More…
- Lock your car whenever it is unattended, both on- and off-campus.
- Make sure your windows are always completely up, no matter how hot it is.
- Do not leave expensive property, such as CD cases, purses, radar detectors, cellular phones and portable stereos in plain view in your car. Lock them in your trunk or take them into your residence. Remove the faceplate of your stereo if possible. Remember that thieves target after-market stereo equipment, not factory-installed equipment.
- If you have expensive stereo equipment in your car, consider investing in a car alarm. If you have a car alarm, turn it on.
- Record the brand, model numbers and serial numbers of all electronic equipment installed in your car. In the event of theft, give this information to the police. If the equipment is recovered, it can then be returned to you. Also, engrave your driver’s license number on this equipment. An engraver is available for your use at the Campus Safety Office.
- If you will be leaving your car on campus over Christmas or spring break, contact Campus Safety at 517.750.6911 for further instruction.
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Protecting Your Residence
You can take several steps to protect the belongings that you have in your campus room. If you live in a residence hall, village or apartment, here are some precautions you can take: Read More…
- The majority of thefts that occur in dorm rooms and apartments happen when the residents are not in but the door is unlocked. Lock the door to your room whenever you leave, even if it is just for a few minutes. Also, lock your door when you will be showering or sleeping. If you live on the ground floor, lock your windows. If you discover that your door or window does not lock, contact your RA and leave a maintenance request to have it repaired.
- Don’t leave exterior doors or inner lobby doors propped open when they should be closed. If you find one open, close it.
- Record the serial numbers of valuable objects you have in your room. Engrave such objects with your driver’s license number. An engraver is available at the campus safety office for use by students.
- Do not leave cash, credit cards or checks in unlocked desks or cabinets.
- Mark clothes with a laundry pen or thread and needle in a spot other than the label.
- Do not allow people you do not know well to stay overnight in your room.
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If you see a suspicious person, notify campus safety immediately by calling Ext. 6911 or 517.750.6911. Be prepared to give a description of the person, tell where you last saw the person and the direction he or she was headed, if possible.
Crimes Against a Person
Unfortunately, criminals sometimes do not target property, but rather people. Make sure you take these steps to try to prevent these types of crimes from happening to you: Click on the Headlines Below
- Keep your doors locked, even when you are in your room and especially when it is late at night. Do not allow anyone in until you know who that person is.
- If the person claims to be dorm maintenance or a utility worker, verify that by asking for identification. People who have legitimate reasons to be there should not balk at this.
- If you are receiving threatening or obscene phone calls, contact the SAU operator if you live on-campus or the local police if you live off-campus.
- If you notice a person attempting to gain entry to your residence or attempting to look into your residence, call Campus Safety at Ext. 6911 or 517.750.6911. Be prepared to give a description of the person, and tell where you last saw the person and the direction he or she was headed in at the time, if possible.
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- Park in well-lighted, busy areas. Avoid dark, secluded areas.
- Always lock your car, even if you are in it at the time.
- As you approach your car, be aware of other people around. If you see someone loitering near your car, do not go to it; instead, walk to an area where there are other people.
- Have your car keys ready. Make sure you don’t have to stand by your car fumbling for your keys.
- Before you enter your car, make sure that no intruder is in the car waiting for you.
- If you see another motorist stranded on the road, do not stop to help. Drive to the nearest phone and notify the police.
- While driving, keep valuables out of sight, and not on the seat next to you.
- Consider getting a cellular phone so you can call for assistance in an emergency.
- If you are stranded in your car, do not accept help from anyone. If someone offers help, stay in your car and ask him or her to call police. Do not accept help from the police unless they are in uniform and driving a marked patrol car.
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If you are being victimized by a person who is attempting to sexually assault you, take the following steps to stop the assault from progressing. Remember – the goal is survival.
- Stall for time. Figure out your options. Each situation is different. Decide if you will fight, try to talk your way out of the assault, scream, or, if necessary for your survival, submit.
- If you fight, hit hard and fast. Target the eyes and groin.
- Try to dissuade the attacker from continuing. Tell him you have a sexually transmitted disease, tell him you are menstruating or do anything to discourage the attacker.
- Contact the person who you know could be where you are at the quickest (campus safety, roommate, suitetmate, friend). Then, immediately call 911.
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In recent years, society has become more aware of the dangers of stalking. Stalking, under Michigan law, is repeated harassment that could or does cause the victim to feel intimidated, threatened or frightened. While it is difficult to prevent stalking from occurring, you can take steps to prevent it from continuing.
- If you are a victim of stalking, report this to campus safety, even if you do not know if you will be filing charges.
- Gather information to help your case, such as taped recordings of threatening phone calls, license plate state and number, description of vehicle, a personal description, and a detailed listing of any contacts the stalker makes with you.
- Follow up in court. Take out an anti-stalking order at your local circuit court, and/or file a civil lawsuit against the stalker for damages resulting from the stalker’s behavior.
- If the stalking continues after the anti-stalking order has been sent, contact the campus safety.
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No method of crime prevention is guaranteed to work 100 percent of the time. However, in taking these steps, you are removing opportunity from would-be criminals, and you will be less likely to be victimized. Be smart. Learn these steps, and make them a habit in your life.
