SAFETY ADVISORY
Winter Break Special Residential Checks
Dear Faculty, Staff and Students:
Winter Break 1995 (12/23/95 to 1/14/96) is approaching quickly.
Traditionally, this is a time of lower occupancy and greater opportunity
for crime. Therefore, we need to be more safety and security conscious!
To reduce the opportunity for crime (especially burglaries and criminal
mischief), the Division of Public Safety again offers to conduct Special
Checks of Residential Properties from 5 p.m. Friday, December 22, to 7
a.m. Monday, January 15.
Faculty, staff and students who live in the geographical areas
bounded by the Schuylkill River and 43rd Street, between Baltimore
Avenue and Market Street, may list their residences with the Penn Police
Department for Special Checks. Penn Police officers will periodically
check the exterior of the property for signs of criminal activity or
security breaches. If any are found, the officers will take appropriate
action ranging from arrest of the perpetrator to conducting an interior
check of the property, with subsequent notifications to the listed
occupant.
If you would like to list your residence for Special Checks during
Winter Break 1995, please pick up an application at the Penn Police
Department Headquarters (3914 Locust Walk) or the Victim Support/Crime
Prevention office (3927 Walnut Street). You need to complete and return
the application to either location prior to vacating the premises. Below
you will find Safety and Security Tips to help keep your time away from
Penn a safe and happy one.
Wishing you peace and joy this Holiday Season,
Thomas Seamon, Managing Director, Division of Public Safety
Maureen Rush, Director, Victim Support
George Clisby, Chief of Patrol Operations
Winter Break 1995 is almost here! Along with mistletoe and holly,
let's also think about safety. To keep the season happy and joyous, and
the New Year full of hope and promise, here are some tips to keep in
mind:
If you are leaving Penn for Break...
- Secure or remove all valuables (i.e., jewelry, computers,
stereos, televisions, etc.). All valuables should already be engraved
with your Social Security or other identifying number. Engravers are
available at theVictim Support/Crime Prevention office (3927 Walnut
Street, 898-4481).
- Close and lock all windows; close all shades, drapes and
blinds. Lock and bolt entrance doors to rooms or apartments.
- Use timers on lights and on radios or TVs to give your
residence the appearance of being occupied.
- Register your residence with the Penn Police Department for
Special Checks during the Break.
- Your answering-device message should never indicate that you
are not at home. Always use plural nouns even if you live alone (e.g.,
"We're not available to take your call right now"). Don't use your
name(s).
- Make sure that your exterior lighting works and turn all lights
on. Preferably, exterior lights should be on a timer or photoelectric
cell. If not, contact your landlord about installing these security
devices before you leave for Break!
If you are remaining at Penn...
- Use one of the ten automated teller machines (ATMs) located
inside University buildings and avoid withdrawing money at night. Check
the amount withdrawn only after you are safely inside your office or
residence. Never display money in a crowd.
Please note: More information regarding the specific hours and days
of operation for the aforementioned automated teller machines will be
forthcoming.
- Carry only necessary credit cards and money.
- Carry your wallet in an inside coat pocket or side trouser
pocket. Carry your handbag tightly under your arm with the clasp toward
your body. Never let it dangle by the handle.
- Keep you wallet or handbag closed and with you at all times.
Never place it on the seat beside you, on the counter next to you or
under a seat when dining.
- Be aware of your surroundings and the people around you; trust
your instincts. Stay in well-lighted and well-travelled areas.
- Walk with your head up, shoulders back and your eyes scanning
the people around you.
- Use the "buddy" system or the Penn Transit System when
travelling at night. From non-University exchanges, dial 898-RIDE for
the vehicular escort service or 898-WALK for the walking escort service
between the hours of 6 p.m. and 3 a.m. daily (but see holiday schedules, in the box below).
- If you are expecting guests or workers, do not open your door
until you know it is the right person(s). Always ask to see
identification of callers you don't know.
- If accosted, don't resist! Don't panic! Stay calm and get a
good description of the assailant (i.e., race, sex, approximate age,
height, weight, clothing description, direction travelled, etc.) and
report the incident to the police as soon as possible.
- Know the locations of Penn's Blue Light Emergency phones. Open
the box, lift the receiver or push the button to talk.
- Report any suspicious person(s) or activities as soon as you
can: where, what, who, when and how.
- Know your Emergency Telephone Numbers:
- Division of Public Safety
Penn Police Department
3914 Locust Walk
Campus (Exchanges 898, 417 or 573): 511
Off Campus: 573-3333
Non-Emergencies: 898-7297 / 898-7298
Victim Support: 898-4481 / 898-6600
Penn Detectives: 898-4485
- Philadelphia Police Department,
18th Police District, 5510 Pine Street
Emergency Telephone Number: 911
General Business: 686-3180
- SEPTA Police Department
Emergency Telephone Number: 580-4131
Both vehicular and walking escort services will be closed on the
following Mondays:
- December 25, 1995
- January 1, 1996.
All Transit Stops will be closed from Saturday, December 23, 1995 to
Monday, January 1, 1996.
However, limited vehicular escort service (i.e., one van) will be
available from Saturday, December 23, 1995 to Sunday, December 31, 1995.
Walking escort service will also be available from Saturday,
December 23, 1995 to Sunday, December 31, 1995. Full vehicular
and walking escort services will resume on Tuesday, January 2, 1996.
Almanac
Tuesday, December 12, 1995
Volume 42 Number 15
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