This message is being sent on behalf of Col. Bernard J. Gerst, Director of Public Safety:
Spring break has arrived along with the welcomed arrival of warm weather. The Towson University Police Department would like to remind the Towson University community of building security and office safety practices. By practicing safe habits we can help reduce or limit “Crimes of Opportunity.” For example, leaving your valuables unattended for any length of time in an unsecured area gives a thief an opportunity to take your property.
Have your personal items, such as radios, calculators, laptop computers, etc. engraved with your driver?s license number. This service is a deterrent and also helps the police identify ownership when the items are recovered. Engravers are available from the Towson University Police Community Crime Reduction Unit at 410-704-3403.
Students are reminded to always KEEP DOORS and WINDOWS LOCKED at all times. University Police have, in the past, received reports of unknown persons walking in student?s rooms when doors have been left unlocked. Take away the opportunity for this to happen and help reduce crime.
While at work but away from your office strive to keep office doors closed and locked. You should secure your personal belongings in a locked file cabinet, desk drawer or locked cabinet. Do not hang your purse or jackets, containing your wallet and other valuables, on the back of your office door, as it can be seen and quickly removed.
Avoid working alone in isolated areas. Whenever possible, develop a ?safety network? with other community members in your building. Call the Towson University Police for an escort when leaving the office late at night. Remember, by limiting the opportunity for criminal acts, we minimize the chance of being victimized. You can make a difference.
Increase your awareness of suspicious persons and situations. Don?t assume that everyone in a campus building is a member of the community or providing a service to the university – TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS! If something doesn?t seem right, then it probably isn?t. Immediately report suspicious persons and situations to the Towson University Police at 410-704-2133.
For more crime prevention tips, please contact the Towson University Police Community Crime Reduction Unit at 410-704-3403. Additional crime prevention tips are also located on our Web site at {http://www.towson.edu/police}.
