National statistics show a definite link between the hot weather months and increasing crime rates. The Department of Public Safety reminds members of the University community to practice the personal safety habits that can help prevent victimization:
- After dark, always use lighted walkways that have access to Blue Light Emergency Phones, including the pedestrian path along Plymouth Avenue South. Don’t take unlighted shortcuts. Enjoy the Erie Lackawanna Trail Bridge for recreational activity during the day, but at night it is closed and not lighted.
- Eliminate opportunities for crime. Pay attention to your surroundings when using phones and earphones—don’t tune out and don’t walk and text. Keep expensive electronics out of sight.
- Utilize University shuttles: www.rochester.edu/parking/shuttles. The URMobile app also provides real-time tracking of the University shuttles.
Secure your bicycle properly:
- Never leave your bike unlocked, even for a minute. Take time to make sure your bike is properly secured.
- Use a U-Lock instead of a cable lock. U-Locks are solid steel, can be purchased for under $20, and are very hard to cut, unlike cable locks. If you prefer to have a lock that is flexible like the cable lock, make sure that it is at least 3/8 inch in diameter.
- Always secure your bike to a bike rack or solid object, and secure both wheels and frame. Quick-release tires and adjustable bicycle seats are also stolen easily.
- Engrave identifying markings on anything removable to aid in recovery.
- Report all suspicious persons loitering around bike racks to Public Safety.
For more information, see www.rochester.edu/parking/biking. Additionally, the Department of Transportation and Parking Management offers a bicycle registration program to the community free of charge. Registering your bike aids in efforts to recover stolen property. Registration includes the recording of the make, model, serial number, color and size; this information is important if your bicycle is stolen.
And as always, LET IT GO! Property can be replaced, but you are one of a kind. IF YOU ARE THE VICTIM OF A CRIME – AS SOON AS IT IS SAFE TO DO SO, call Public Safety at 585 275-3333 or call the police by dialing 9-1-1 (Every minute counts!)
