How Not to Be a Victim of Crime on College Campuses

Recent news headlines prove that our college campuses are not as safe as they once may have been. With incidents of rape, kidnapping and even murders, it's important to know what to do to keep yourself or your child who is attending college safe.

Even schools that are considered among the safest are not immune to these dangers.

Here are some suggestions to prevent you or your loved one from being a victim of campus crime:

Always be aware of your surroundings.

It's easy to get distracted, when you are hurrying to or from classes or talking on your cellphone to buddies, but it's important for you to concentrate on where you are going and to look out for anything or anyone who seems out-of-the-ordinary.

If you drive a car on campus, don't park anywhere close to a van and, upon returning to your car, make sure there is nobody hiding in the back seat or underneath your vehicle.

Being observant can save your life!


Always let somebody else know your itinerary.

Spontaneity is fine, but not it terms of just going off somewhere, unannounced, without alerting anybody you know.

It may sound romantic and carefree to do, but the reality is that nobody would have any idea of where to look for you, if you are missing for a few days.  

Let your roommates know if you plan to travel somewhere overnight or for a weekend or a few days. Give them all the telephone numbers of where you'll be going, as well as your cell number. Even have them call to check on you every few hours and keep in touch with them.

You may even want to designate certain times for contact, so that, if you don't answer, someone can be alerted.


Walk with a friend you can trust at night, even when you have to go a small distance.