Crime Prevention Education

Criminals look to take advantage of individuals when they are not paying attention or are impaired. A person who is intoxicated to the point of physical and mental impairment makes themself an easy target for a potential attacker.
Alcohol impairs many of the faculties we depend on to make good sound decisions. Impaired individuals may take chances a sober person would likely not consider.
When at bars, clubs, or drinking in groups, be aware of the possibility that someone may try to put a drug into your drink without your knowledge. If you ever leave a drink unattended, discard the drink.
If you are with a group, discuss beforehand the importance of watching out for each other for safety reasons.

ATM Safety

Be aware of your surroundings. Consider coming back later if you notice anything suspicious or out of place, such as someone loitering nearby or a security light out.

Only use ATMs in well-lit, open, high-traffic areas.
If using an ATM at night, bring someone with you.
If using an ATM in a vestibule area, be sure the door is securely closed and do not open it for others.
If you withdraw cash, put it away promptly; don’t publicly count your money.
Put your ATM card and receipt away promptly. Never leave your receipt at the ATM.
Keep your PIN secret. Don’t write it on your card.
Shield the keypad when entering your PIN to keep it from being observed.
Beware of offers for help from strangers during an ATM transaction.
Don’t argue or attempt to fight with a robber; your safety is more valuable than any property.
If robbed, immediately call the police once it is safe to do so.

Bicycle Safety

Consider using a U-Bolt-style lock for your bicycle. Attach the lock through a wheel, the frame, and a stationary object such as a bicycle rack. ·
Register your bicycle’s make, model, and serial number with Public Safety to ensure it can be tracked if lost.
Engrave your bicycle to deter thieves and to help identify and return a stolen bicycle. Mark your identification on the frame and another important component, such as the crank or pedal arm.
Report any concerning behavior you see around the bicycle racks. Never leave your bicycle unattended anywhere, if not locked.
Lock both wheels and the frame to a secure structure for bicycles with quick-release wheels.
Secure or remove components such as lights, seat posts with quick-release levers, and saddle bags.
Attach the lock in a way to make it difficult and inconvenient to access.
Do not leave your bicycle locked to racks on campus over academic breaks.
Before you walk away from your bicycle, quickly check that your lock is secure, and there are no easily removable items.
Make sure that parking and locking your bicycle does not impede pedestrian or handicap access.
Keep a record of your bicycle’s make, model, color, and frame number.

Campus Housing Safety

Do not let others tailgate (i.e. walk behind you while the door is open) when entering residence halls and immediately report anyone who you see helping others tailgate.
Do not prop open any residence doors.
When in the residence hall, never leave your room unlocked, even while showering or taking a short trip down the hall.
Refrain from posting notes on your door informing others that no one is in the room.
Do not leave valuables, such as your wallet, checkbook, or jewelry, in plain view.
Keep an accurate inventory of your possessions.
Engraving tools may be borrowed from Public Safety to inscribe identifying information on electronics or other valuables.
Do not attach your keys to university identification.
Take care of your keys. Do not allow anyone to duplicate them.
Be a good neighbor; report any concerning behavior or activity in the residence hall.

Cellphone Safety

Cellphone Robberies

Phone theft is usually a crime of opportunity. Criminals focus on opportunities to steal them, whether you’re walking on the street, sitting in a restaurant or coffee shop, working out at the gym, or studying at the library.

Here are some tips to protect yourself against phone theft:

Conceal your phone.
If you must be on the phone, be aware of your surroundings and of other people nearby (just being obviously alert and cautious may deter a criminal).
Don’t allow strangers to “borrow” your phone or other electronic device.

Other important precautions:

Keep records of your phone details, including:
- 1) make and model,
- 2) color and appearance,
- 3) PIN or security lock code, and
- 4) the IMEI number phones (IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It’s a 15-digit number unique to your phone and can be found by looking beneath the battery or by keying in *#06# on many phones).
Ensure that your cellphone is password-protected.
Register your phone with your network provider when you buy it. If the phone is later stolen, report the loss to the provider immediately.
Be cautious of storing personal or financial information on your phone. If it’s stolen, it’s not difficult for criminals to extract information before wiping the phone’s memory and reselling the device.
Activate the global positioning system tracking option on your phone. If the phone does not have GPS tracking, consider after-market software. For instance, a free “Find My iPhone” app is available from Apple.

Computer Security

Be careful with commercial transactions on the web. If you are buying goods or services, use common sense. Make sure you know with whom you are completing the transaction. Verify their identity independently (e.g., check directory assistance or the Better Business Bureau to verify the business exists).
Guard your password. Don’t share it with anyone. Once you have shared it, you no longer have control over how your account is used. Do not write down your password in an easily accessible location or include it in a login script.
Limit the amount of personal information you share online.
Consider how much personal information you include in your email signature. Is sharing your home telephone number or address really necessary?
Update your virus protection software regularly or when new virus alerts are announced.
Do not download or open files or hyperlinks sent from people you don’t know.
Use a firewall program, especially if you use a high-speed internet connection that leaves your computer connected to the internet 24 hours a day.
Avoid storing financial information on your laptop unless absolutely necessary.
Delete personal information before you dispose of a computer.

Con Artists

Con artists are usually talkative and tend to blend into the environment in which they operate.
Do not be fooled into believing that you can judge an individual’s honesty or intentions by the way they are dressed. Never assume that con artists are always a specific gender.
Approaches used by con artists can vary, but more often than not, they will claim to have discovered a substantial amount of money and want to share it with you, be a bank investigator who needs your assistance in apprehending a dishonest employee, or be in a predicament requiring the use of your banking credentials. If you are approached, decline discussion and immediately report the incident to Public Safety.
Remember, “if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.”

Dating Safety

Always tell someone where you are going with your date, with whom, and when you are expected to return.
Check out a first date or a blind date with friends. Meet in public places.
Trust your instincts. If a place or the way your date acts makes you nervous or uneasy, get away from the situation.
When out with friends, stay together and try not to get separated. Be cautious of leaving a social event with someone you have just met or do not know well.
Be aware of your level of alcohol consumption. Alcohol or other drugs decrease your ability to make thoughtful decisions.
Do not accept beverages from someone you do not know or trust. Always watch your drink and never leave it unattended. If you ever leave a drink unattended, discard the drink.
Accept a person’s decision when they say “no.”
Never assume that a person wants to be sexually intimate just because they are drinking heavily, their style of dress, or agreement to go home with you.
Never assume that just because a person has had sex with you previously, they are willing to have sex with you again.

Resources for victims of sexual assault:

Helpline: Call the confidential hotline at 410-516-7333.
Office of Institutional Equity – Sexual Misconduct: File a sexual misconduct report with the Office of Institutional Equity (“OIE”) at (410) 516-8075, e-mail oie@jhu.edu or TitleIXCoordinator@jhu.edu, or submit an online report to OIE.

Online Dating

Never give out your home address, phone number, the name of your school, or any other personal details to people you do not know.
Trust your instincts. If you notice contradictions or inconsistencies from the individual you are talking to, or something does not feel right, end your communication with them.
If you are going to meet in person, do so in public places.
Always tell someone where you are going with your online date, who your online date is, and when you will return.
Take a cellphone with you.
Never go to the house of someone you have just met.

Sexual Assault Safe Line

The 24/7 Sexual Assault Helpline (410-516-7333) is a confidential service of the Johns Hopkins University Counseling Center. Trained professional counselors are available to offer support, provide resources, or answer questions 24/7. A counselor can help arrange transportation if you need medical care and an advocate to accompany you to the hospital, if you wish.
Our on-call counselors regularly monitor this line, so if you reach an answering machine, you may leave your first name and telephone number, and the on-call counselor will call you back shortly. The service is available to full-time Homewood and Peabody students.

Emergencies

If you are in danger, call 911.
You may also call Johns Hopkins Public Safety at 410-516-7777 (note that your call will be recorded).

Driving Safety

Keep your car in good running condition. Make sure there is enough gas to get where you are going and back.
Have your keys ready before getting into your vehicle. Lock the doors immediately upon entering your vehicle.
Always roll up the windows and lock car doors, even if you are coming right back. Check inside and out before getting in your car. 
Avoid parking in isolated areas. Be especially alert in parking lots and underground parking garages. Park in well-lit areas. 
If you think someone is following you, drive to the nearest police or fire station, gas station, or other open business to get help. 
If your vehicle breaks down, call for help on your cellphone, lock all windows and doors, and do not open the vehicle for anyone until help arrives. 
Never leave your credit cards or other important papers in the glove compartment. Never leave any objects in plain view.
Do not mark your keychain with your name, address, and license number. Lost keys can lead a thief to your car or home.
Do not leave your house and car keys together with an attendant at a public parking lot. Your house key can be quickly duplicated and your address obtained from your plate number.
Use the “Club” or other auto theft prevention tools. 
Never pick up hitchhikers.

Identity Theft

An identity thief may pick through your trash to capture your personal information. Tear or shred your receipts, checks, bank statements, expired credit cards, credit offers you get in the mail, and other documents with personal information.
Do not carry your social security (SSN) card; leave it in a secure place.
Carry only the identification information and the number of credit and debit cards you will need.
Do not use common information like your mother’s maiden name, birth date, the last four digits of your SSN, or similar numbers as a password for anything.
Cancel all credit cards that you have not used in the last six months.
Be wary of promotional scams.
Ensure you have strong passwords for your credit card, bank, and phone accounts.
Secure your mailbox. Thieves search mailboxes for pre-approved credit offers, bank statements, tax forms, or checks.
Order your credit report at least once a year. Reports can be obtained for free from all three major sources: Equifax at 800-685-1111; Experian at 883-397-3742; or TransUnion at 800-680-4213.

What to Do If You Are a Victim of Identity Theft

Place a fraud alert on your credit reports and review your credit reports. This can help prevent an identity thief from opening additional accounts in your name. As soon as the credit bureau confirms your fraud alert, the other two credit bureaus will automatically be notified to place fraud alerts on your credit report, and all three reports will be sent to you free of charge.
The bureau numbers to report fraud are: Equifax: 1-800-525-6285, PO Box 740241 Atlanta, GA, 30374-0241 Experian: 1-888-397-3742, PO Box 9532, Allen, TX, 75013 TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289, PO Box 6790 Fullerton, CA, 92384-6790
Close any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. Keep all copies of correspondence or forms you send. Follow up in writing with all contacts you have made on the phone or in person. Use certified mail; return receipt requested. Write down the name of anyone you talk to, what they told you, and the date the conversation occurred. Keep the originals of supporting documentation, like police reports and letters to and from creditors; send copies only.
Save all documentation. Set up a filing system for easy access to your paperwork.
File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place. Keep a copy of the report. You may need it to validate your claims to creditors. If you can’t get a copy, at least get the report number. ·
File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), visit the FTC website or call the FTC’s Identity Theft Hotline: toll-free 1-877-438-4338

By filing a complaint with the FTC, you provide important information that can help law enforcement officials track down identity thieves and stop them.

Pedestrian Safety

Walking and Street Safety

Stay in well-lit, well-traveled streets. Walk halfway between curbs and buildings, away from alleys, entries, and bushes. Avoid shortcuts through wooded areas, parking lots, or alleys. 
Try to travel in pairs. It reduces your chance of being a victim of a street crime. 
Do not display cash or other tempting targets like expensive jewelry or clothing.
If you believe you are being followed, call the police. Keep looking behind you, and you may discourage the follower. Cross the street, change directions, or vary your pace if someone is following you on foot. Go to the nearest residence, open business, or group of people. If someone follows you in a car, turn around and walk in the opposite direction.
If you are carrying a purse, hold it close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Carry your wallet in a pocket inside your coat or in the front of your pants, not a back pocket. 
Try to use ATMs in the daytime. Have your card in hand, and do not approach the machine if you are uneasy about people nearby. 
Plan the safest route to your destination and use it.
Have your car or house key in hand before you reach the door. 
Never hitchhike. Use university transportation or Public Safety Escort Program. It is worth the wait.
Avoid using cellphones while walking. Suspects target individuals with phones and other items in plain view.
Always stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.

Public Transportation

If possible, use well-lit, busy stops.
Stay alert! Do not leave yourself noticeably vulnerable to theft by dozing off.
A crowded bus is an environment for pickpockets. Carry your wallet in a pocket inside your coat pocket or in the front of your pants. Carry your bag closely, not dangling from its strap.
Take a seat near the driver if another passenger is bothering you.
Watch who exits with you. If you feel uneasy, walk directly to a place where there are other people.
If something or someone at your intended stop raises your concern about personal safety, wait until the next stop to get off.

Residential Safety

Lock all doors (including the garage door) and windows when you leave the house or go to sleep. A lock is not effective unless you lock it. 
Sliding glass doors are vulnerable. Special locks are available for better security. 
Install deadbolt locks with at least a 2″ slide bolt and 3″ screws that secure the stop plate to the door frame.
Change locks any time a key is lost or stolen, and do not give or lend keys.
Install a one-way peephole to see who is outside.
Fasten air conditioner units securely to the windowsill or window frame. Otherwise, burglars can easily remove the unit and enter your home through the window.
Keep the perimeter of your home well-lit. Low-voltage outdoor lighting is a cost-effective way to discourage intruders. 
Consider using timed interior lights and outdoor timed or motion lights to make your home appear occupied when you are away.
Do not advertise when the house is unoccupied. Stop all mail and have a friend or neighbor collect newspapers/fliers. Have someone park a car in your driveway or parking pad.
Make your house look occupied by day; leave drapes and shades in normal positions with valuables out of sight.
Keep a radio or television on low volume when not at home.
Keep shrubbery trimmed away from doors and windows. Overgrown shrubbery may conceal the presence of burglars.
Be a good neighbor by keeping an eye on your neighbor’s home; ask them to do the same for you.
Be suspicious of anyone asking to enter your home for any “maintenance” reason. Always demand to see an official company ID.
Report people exhibiting concerning behavior or vehicles lurking in the neighborhood.
Do your best to provide the police with a good description.
Mark your property by inscribing identifying marks or numbers on these items. 
Keep a list of the make, model, and serial numbers of all valuables.

Rideshare Safety

Try to use the services with another person (i.e. “pair up”).
Use the app’s safety features to share trip details with family and friends.
- Many companies offer various app connections to report both emergency and non-emergency safety issues.
Before getting into the car, review your driver’s profile and vehicle information to confirm they are the authorized driver of the vehicle.
Check to make sure there are no other riders in the vehicle.
Create time and distance before entering the vehicle.
- Pause: be cognizant of your surroundings. Who else is around you while you are waiting for your ride?
- Stay inside a building or around crowds while waiting for a vehicle.
- Keep a distance from the curb or place of pick-up until you can ascertain if the driver is your requested driver.
Call 911 if something does not seem right.

Robbery

Do not resist and give up your property; your safety is more valuable than any property. Do as you are told and try to observe what is happening to you.
Do not volunteer any information or do anything other than what the robber asks. Listen carefully and pay attention to the robber’s appearance and demeanor.
Call 911 or Public Safety at 410-516-7777 immediately once you are safe.

Describe exactly what occurred with as many details as possible. Give complete descriptions such as observed gender, race, age, height, weight, hair color, scars, tattoos, and clothing. If a vehicle was involved, try to get the make, color, and license plate.

If you observe a crime in progress, stay calm and call 911 or call Public Safety at 410-516-7777. Your actions can prevent others from becoming victims.

Scam Awareness

Becoming informed about various scams is crucial, as criminals seek to take advantage of unsuspecting individuals. Scams also increase around the holidays; please refer to our Holiday Scam Guide for more details and prevention tips.

Below are some common scams you should be vigilant about to protect yourself and your finances. If you receive any of these emails, texts, or phone calls, do not respond. Never provide any identifying or personal information to an unconfirmed source. Instead, contact Johns Hopkins University Public Safety Investigations at 410-516-4600.
Requests from University leaders: Beware of emails from an unknown source claiming to be a university department head or dean requesting identifying or personal information. The scammer will claim they are in an important meeting and request a cell phone number. A text message is sent to that cell phone number, instructing the recipient to purchase gift cards from a local store and text photos of the numeric code on the back of the gift cards. The originating email address attempts to indicate that it is an official Johns Hopkins account and may include the name of a university faculty member.

Federal relief checks: Beware of text messages, phone calls, and emails about federal relief checks. The official source for information is the Internal Revenue Service website.

Donation requests for charitable organizations: Beware of fraudulent donation requests for illegitimate or nonexistent charitable organizations. Do your homework when donating, and never give in cash, gift cards, or wire transfers. If you wish to donate, please visit charitywatch.org to ensure you are working with a reputable charity.