Protecting Yourself and Your Property:
As Arizona State University students, we want you to be safe at all times. This information will inform you of many programs and services that will help you take preventive measures to ensure your safety. If you have further questions please refer to the Tempe Crime Prevention Unit at http://www.tempe.gov.cpu.
Steps to Help Secure a Safe Apartment
- Visit the Tempe Police Department website at www.tempe.gov/cau to view the apartment community calls for service bulletin (crime stats).
- Inspect the apartment community both day and night for activity.
- Check the property for curb appeal. Does the management company care about the property? Do they trim the bushes, maintain the lighting, physical appearance gives you the impression someone cares and shows ownership.
- Interview other residents that reside at the property. Ask them do they feel safe? How does management handle issues?
- The management company will be interviewing you as a prospective resident. You would want to interview the management company to make sure they meet your expectations.
- Ask the management company if they participate in the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program.
- Ask the management company if they provide courtesy patrol.
Personal Safety
The Tempe Police Departments, Crime Prevention Unit would like to provide you with 3 basic personal safety rules and the following crime prevention information:
- Do stay alert! Keep your mind on your surroundings, who's in front of you and who's behind you. Don't get distracted. If you're worried about being a victim of crime ask a friend to accompany you when you go out.
- Do communicate the message that you're calm, confident, and know where you're going. Stand tall, walk purposefully, and make quick eye contact with people around you.
- Do trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a place or situation...leave.
When Walking:
- Plan the safest route to your destination and use it. Choose well-lighted and busy streets and avoid using vacant lots, alleys, or construction sites. Take the long way if it's the safest.
- Know your neighborhood. Find out what stores and restaurants are open late and where the police and fire stations are.
- Make sure you know where your children are going when they go out and encourage them to play with other kids. Show them safe places in the neighborhood where they can go if they ever feel scared.
- Carry your purse close to your body and keep a firm grip on it. Carry a wallet in an inside coat or side trouser pocket, not in a rear trouser pocket.
- Don't flaunt expensive jewelry or clothing.
- Walk facing traffic so you can see approaching cars.
- Don't overburden yourself with packages and groceries that make it hard to react.
- Bring "emergency" money for cab fare, bus fare, or a telephone call.
- Have your car or house key in hand as you approach your vehicle or home.
- If you suspect you're being followed by someone on foot, cross the street and head for the nearest well-lighted, populated area. Walk quickly or run to a house or store to call police. If you are really scared, scream for help.
- If you are being followed by someone in a car, change direction immediately and make a visible point of writing down the license number.
In your Home:
- Keep your doors locked, even when you are home.
- You should not automatically open your door when someone knocks, especially if you’re alone. Know who is outside – use the peep hole.
- Keep your windows locked when you are away and while sleeping.
- When away or at home, draw your blinds or curtains to prevent prowlers from seeing your valuables.
- Never remain in a laundry room in an apartment community alone.
- Avoid dark places, short cuts, bushy trees, and sparsely traveled areas.
Take Action Today:
If you see a crime being committed, call the police immediately at 911. Be sure to report all suspicious activity to the Tempe Police Department non-emergency line at (480) 350-8311. You and your neighbors are safe when you look out for each other.
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