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Special Checks of Residences
Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,
Winter Break 1997 (12/20/97 to 01/11/98) is approaching
quickly. Traditionally, this is a time of lower occupancy and greater opportunity
for crime. Therefore, in order to reduce the opportunity for crime (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 Friday, December 19, 1997 to 7 a.m.
on Monday, January 12, 1998
Faculty, staff and students who live in the following
geographical boundariesthe Schuylkill River to 43rd Street and Baltimore
Avenue to Market Streetmay 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 problems are discovered, 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 Winter Break 1997, please pick up an application at the Penn
Police Headquarters, 3914 Locust Walk, or the Special Services Unit, 206
S. 40th Street. You need to complete and return the application to either
location prior to vacating the premises. Below you will find safety
tips and security tips to help keep your time away from Penn a safe and
happy one. Wishing you peace and joy this Holiday Season.
--Susan A. Hawkins, Director, Special
Services
Safety and Security Tips for Winter
Break 1997
To keep this Holiday Season happy and joyous,
and the New Year full of hope and promise, here are some safety tips to
keep in mind:
If you are leaving Penn for Winter 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 Special Services Unit office (206 S. 40th 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 a radio or television
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!
Attention,
to those who live between these geographical boundaries:
33rd to 49th Streets
Market to Woodland Avenue
The Lighting Rebate Program through the
West Philadelphia Partnership makes 50% reimbursement for the purchase and
installation of new energy-efficient exterior lighting on residences. Call
898-1946 and leave your name/address on the tape to get detailed information
about the program, which runs until 12/31/97.
If you are remaining at Penn during 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.
- 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 not be operating from 12/24/97 (Wed.)
to1/2/98 (Fri.). However, full vehicular escort services will resume on
1/3/98 (Sat.). PennBus will resume service 1/5/98 (Mon.).
- 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 behavior or activities
as soon as you can: where, what, who, when and how.
- Know your Emergency Telephone Numbers.
Key Numbers for Safety
| Emergencies On Campus: |
|
511 |
|
Philadelphia Police Department |
|
|
| Emergencies Off Campus: |
|
573-3333 |
|
18th Police District, 5510 Pine Street |
| Non-Emergencies: |
|
898-7297/7298 |
|
Emergency Telephone Number: |
|
911 |
| Special Services Unit: |
|
898-4481 |
|
General Business Number: |
|
686-3180 |
24-hour line
|
|
898-6600 |
|
SEPTA Police Department |
|
|
| Penn Investigators: |
|
898-4485 |
|
Emergency Telephone: |
|
580-4131 |
Return to:Almanac, University of Pennsylvania, December
16, 1997, Volume 44, Number 16 |