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Thanksgiving Break
Safety and Security: Special Checks
Dear
Students, Faculty and Staff:
Thanksgiving
Break 2002 (5 p.m. 11/27/02 through 8 a.m. 12/2/02) 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.
In
order to reduce the opportunity for crime (i.e., criminal
mischief, burglaries, etc.), the Division of Public Safety
is again offering to conduct Special Checks of Residential
Properties during the following time frame: 5 p.m. Wednesday, November
27 to 7 a.m. Monday, December 2.
Students,
faculty and staff who live within the following geographical
boundaries--Schuylkill River to 43rd Street and Baltimore
Avenue to Market Street--may list their residence with
the Penn Police Department for Special Checks during the
period it will be vacant.
Penn
Police officers will periodically check the exterior of
the property for signs of criminal activity or security
breaches. If any are discovered, the officers will take
appropriate action ranging from arresting the perpetrator
to conducting an interior check of the property with subsequent
notification to the listed occupant.
If
you would like to list your residence for Special Checks
during Thanksgiving Break 2002, please pick up an application
at the Penn Police Headquarters, 4040 Chestnut Street.
You need to complete and return the application prior to
vacating the premise. Or, you may request "Special
Checks" via the web. Complete the application form
on the Public Safety website at www.publicsafety.upenn.edu/ and
go to "Online Forms" and follow the instructions
to submit.
Wishing
you delicious food and quiet moments with family and friends,
--Patricia Brennan,
Division of Public Safety
Safety and
Security Tips for Thanksgiving Break 2002
If
you are Leaving Penn for Thanksgiving Break:
- Register
your residence with Public Safety for Special
Checks during the Break.
- Secure
or remove all valuables (i.e., jewelry, computers,
stereos, televisions, etc.).
- All
valuables should already be engraved with your
Personal ID. Engravers are available at the Detective
Unit, 4040 Chestnut Street, (215) 898-4485.
- 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 a radio or television
to give your residence the appearance of being
occupied.
- 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.
- 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 regarding these security
devices before you leave for Break!
If
you are Remaining at Penn during Thanksgiving Break:
- Use
one of the interior automated teller machines
(ATMs). (Contact the Detective Unit, (215) 898-4485,
for locations of interior ATMs).
- Avoid
withdrawing money at night. Check the amount
withdrawn only after you are safely inside your
residence or office. Never display money in a
crowd.
- 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
your 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-traveled 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 traveling at night. From non-University
exchanges, dial (215) 898-RIDE (7433) for the
vehicular escort service or (215) 898-WALK (9255)
for the walking escort service between the hours
of 8 p.m. and 3 a.m., daily.
- 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 visitors
you don't know.
- If
accosted, don't resist! Don't panic! Get a good
description, direction traveled, etc. and report
the incident to the police as soon as possible.
- Know
the locations of Penn's blue-light emergency
telephones. Open the box, lift the receiver or
push the button to talk.
- Report
any suspicious activities to the police as soon
as you can: Where, What, Who, When and How.
--Division
of Public Safety
Know your Emergency
Numbers:
Division
of Public Safety
Penn
Police Department
4040
Chestnut Street
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On
Campus: 511
Off
Campus: (215) 573-3333 Non-Emergencies: (215)
898-7297/7298
Special
Services: (215) 898-4481/6600
Penn
Detectives: (215) 898-4485
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Philadelphia
Police Department
18th
Police District
5510
Pine Street |
Emergencies: 911
General
Business: (215) 686-3180
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SEPTA
Police Department |
Emergencies: (215)
580-4131
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Almanac, Vol. 49, No. 13, November 19, 2002
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