A Thanksgiving Advisory from the University of Pennsylvania Division of Public Safety

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,

Thanksgiving Break 1995 (11/23/95 to 11/26/95) is just around the corner. 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., burglaries, criminal mischief, etc.), the Division of Public Safety is offering to conduct Special Checks of Residential Properties during the following time period:

5 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22nd to
7 a.m. on Monday, November 27th

Faculty, staff and students who live in the following geographical boundaries--the 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. Upon discovering same, the officers will take appropriate action ranging from arresting 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 Thanksgiving Break 1995, please pick up an application at the Penn Police 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 premise. Below you will find "safety tips" and "security tips" to help keep your time away from PENN a safe and happy one.

Wishing you good food and quiet moments with friends and family,

-- Thomas Seamon, Managing Director, Public Safety

-- Maureen Rush, Director of Victim Support
-- George Clisby, Chief of Patrol Operations

Safety and Security Tips for Thanksgiving Break 1995

If you are leaving Penn for Thanksgiving 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 the Victim 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 televisions to give your residence the appearance of being occupied.
  
• Register your residence with Public Safety 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 with regards to installing these security devices before you leave for Break!

If you are remaining at Penn during Thanksgiving Break:

• 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. (More information regarding the specific hours and days of operation for aforementioned automated teller machines will appear in Almanac's November 21/28 combined edition, and will be on Penn Web in a few days.)
  
• 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-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.

  Please note: The Penn Transit System will be not be operating on Thanksgiving Day (11/23/95). However, full vehicular and walking escort services will resume on Friday, 11/24/95, for the remainder of Thanksgiving Break.
  

• 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 or activity as soon as you can: where, what, who, when and how.
  
• Know your Emergency Telephone Numbers: See the box (below).

Key Phone Numbers for Safety

Division of Public Safety
Penn Police Department, 3914 Locust Walk

Emergencies On Campus (University Exchanges: 898, 571, 417): 511

Emergencies Off Campus : 573-3333

Non-Emergencies 898-7297/7298

Victim Support 898-4481/6600

Penn Detectives 898-4485

Philadelphia Police Department

18th Police District 5510 Pine Street

Emergency Telephone Number: 911

SEPTA Police Department

Emergency Telephone Number: 580-4131

Almanac

Tuesday, November 14, 1995
Volume 42 Number 12