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Crime Prevention and Security Tips - Must Know Info…

General Information for the University Community
KEYS

In 1988, the Kentucky State Legislature enacted KRS 164.337, making unauthorized duplication of university keys illegal. If you are found duplicating University keys, you are subject to criminal prosecution.

If you need a key, follow university procedures to obtain one: submit your request through your department head to the Physical Plant Division, using the appropriate key request card, available from the Key Shop.

  • Do not attempt to duplicate your University issued key.
  • Do not loan your keys or provide access to a university building by unlocking a door for any unauthorized person.
  • If you lose your key, report the loss immediately.
UNSECURED DOORS

The biggest security breach on campus is propped open doors. When a door is propped open, the security of the entire building is compromised. A propped open door is an open invitation to a criminal. Yes, we have heard all the excuses ranging from, “I was just going to be gone a minute and didn't want to go all the way around to the front of the building to enter again”, to “ I just propped it open while I went around the corner to smoke”, to “I was expecting a guest and didn't have time to stand at the door and wait on them.” There is NO excuse for propping open doors. It is inconsiderate and dangerous. Anyone can walk in. For your safety and the safety of those that live and work with you, don't do it! If you find a propped open door, remove the article holding it; don't assume someone else will do it. After entering through a locked door, make sure the door catches and locks behind you. If the door or lock is malfunctioning, report it to the Physical Plant Division immediately. For student residents, report the problem to your R.A. immediately. Your safety is at risk if you do not!

UNSECURED WINDOWS

Many residence halls and some office buildings on campus have windows that open. If you reside in one of these rooms and you are located on the ground level, make sure you close and lock the window when you retire for the night and when you are leaving your room. If you work in an office with a window that opens, don't forget to close and lock it at the end of your workday. Immediately report any malfunctions to the Physical Plant Division or for residents, your R.A.

DESIGNATED SECURITY PERSON

UK Police highly recommend that one person within your department or office be a designated security person. This person is responsible for making sure all windows are closed and locked, all doors are locked, coffeepots are turned off, lights are turned off, alarm is set, etc. at the end of a workday. Additional responsibilities would include maintaining key control, reporting malfunctioning security equipment to Physical Plant, and become the departmental liaison to the police department.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON(S)

As a member of the University of Kentucky community, you should quickly become familiar with the day-to-day operations of the area you live, work or study in. You should know what normal activity is, and be familiar with the people that are involved in that activity. Whenever you observe an unfamiliar face, make it your business to find out who that person is and what they are doing. Greet them pleasantly and ask if you can help them. A common ploy for a thief is to tell you they are looking for a job, or they will give you the name of a person you have never heard of before that is supposed to work in “this building”. Once you have recognized the stranger, they will usually leave. Once they have left, call the police and report the incident. If the person is acting strange or you do not feel comfortable approaching them, get their general description and call the police. An officer will be dispatched to investigate the situation.

REPORTING A CRIME

If you or your department become the victim of a crime on campus, report it to UK Police immediately. Timely reporting of a crime improves the possibility of suspect apprehension and recovery of stolen property.

To report a crime, call UK Police at 257-1616, or 911 for emergencies. The communications officer will need the following information from you:

  • Your name
  • Your location and telephone number
  • The problem you are reporting
  • Additional information as requested by the communications officer

When reporting a crime by telephone, remain on the phone until the communications officer has obtained all the information needed from you, and you are released.

A police officer will be dispatched to your location. It is important that you provide the officer with as much information as possible about what happened. The officer will usually take an incident report. The report is assigned an incident number, which the officer will provide to you. You must use this number to reference the case when contacting Central Records for a copy of the report.

OBTAINING COPIES OF REPORTS

Reports taken by UK Police are retained in Central Records. To obtain copies of reports filed with UK Police, the following criteria must be met:

  • Your name must be listed on the report as victim, complainant or property owner.
  • In case of departmental property reports, you must show you are the departmental representative.
  • You must present picture identification.

In most cases, reports are available after two business days from the time the initial report was taken. Central Records is open during normal university business hours. Their phone number is 257-5770.

UNLOCKING BUILDINGS AFTER HOURS

UK Police will not unlock a building after hours. It is our contention if you have legitimate business in a building after it is closed, you will have been issued a key. If you arrive on campus and have forgotten your keys, it is your responsibility to contact your department head or a co-worker to obtain access.

Emergency access to locked buildings will be handled on a case to case basis. If your situation is deemed an emergency, you will be escorted in and out of the building by a police officer. You will not be allowed to remain in the building unescorted.

SECURITY ALARMS

Numerous locations on campus are equipped with electronic security systems. As a member of the university community, you may come in contact with these rooms or areas. DO NOT ENTER unless you are certain the alarm has been disarmed. Do not just assume the alarm is disabled during normal business hours. Many are not.

Tampering with an alarmed door or unauthorized entry into an alarmed area will cause an alarm, which puts you and the officers responding in a dangerous situation.

HOW TO HANDLE HARASSING/OBSCENE PHONE CALLS

Harassing and obscene phone calls are common occurrences on campus, especially in the fall and when the new issue of the campus phone book is distributed.

There is only one way to handle these types of calls. HANG UP as soon as you realize the nature of the call. Don't try to find out who the caller is, and don't show any reaction, HANG UP!

If the calls continue, are threatening in nature or the caller indicates you are being followed, call the police and file an incident report. Keep a log of the times, what the caller said, a description of the voice, and any background noises. If you capture the call on tape, i.e., an answering machine, save it…don't erase it.

THEFTS

The most frequent crime occurring at the University of Kentucky is theft; and these crimes occur because the thief is provided the opportunity to steal

Eliminate that opportunity and the incidents of theft will be reduced. The following suggestions are provided to you in an effort to prevent you from becoming a victim:

From Vehicles

Larceny from Autos is the more common type of theft-related crimes on campus.

  • Park in well-lighted areas and if possible, avoid parking next to vans, trucks or other large vehicles. These vehicles can provide concealment for a thief making it more difficult to for those passing by to observe the activity.
  • Always check to see that your car is locked when you leave it. Do not leave book or other items of value lying visible in the vehicle.
At the Office

Theft of unattended property from open or unsecured offices is the most common problem on campus.

  • Purses and wallets are primary targets of thieves. Purses and wallets should be secured in your locker, desk or filing cabinets.
  • Avoid leaving wallets, keys or cash unattended in jackets or lab coats.
  • Lock your office whenever it is unoccupied, even if you leave just to use the restroom.
  • Never leave your keys or university keys lying on a desk or left in the door lock.
  • Participate in Operation Identification and engrave personal items brought to work.
Backpacks

Unattended backpacks are easy targets for thieves.

  • Keep your backpack with you at all times…even when you leave your study carrel at the library for just a few minutes.
  • Do NOT keep your wallet, keys, checkbook, etc. in your backpack.
  • When you put your backpack on the floor, put it between your legs, or place the straps around your leg or the chair leg.
  • If you sleep between classes, secure your backpack in such a way as to wake you if the bag is moved, i.e., use it as a pillow, put it behind you, etc.
Books

Books are popular items for thieves, especially at buy-back time.

  • As soon as your purchase your books, write your name and an identifying number inside the front cover in ink. Put your initials or the identifying number in other locations throughout the book.
  • Never leave your books unattended, even for a minute.
Bicycles

Bicycles are very popular with thieves, especially those that are not properly secured.

  • The university provides ample bike racks, use them! (Please note that bicycles not parked in bicycle racks are subject to impoundment.)
  • Always secure your bicycle with a u-bolt type lock.
  • Engrave your bicycle in numerous, concealed locations. Make sure you record the bike's make, model and serial numbers along with the value, date of purchase and place purchased.
  • If you have an expensive bicycle, insure it…check with your (or your parents) homeowners policy to see if the bike can be covered.
Apartments & Residence Halls
  • When leaving your residence hall room or apartment, whether to visit neighbors or to shower or use the bathroom, always lock the door.
  • Don't keep expensive items and large amounts of cash in your residence. If you must, keep them hidden with the location known only to you. The same applies for your checkbook, credit cards, and identification, to include your student ID.
  • Participate in Operation Identification. Ask your Adopt-A-COPP for additional information.
  • Don't let strangers in your building or allow them to follow you through an open door.

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