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Thanksgiving
Break Safety and Security: Special Checks
Dear
Students, Faculty and Staff:
Thanksgiving
Break 2001 (5 p.m. 11/21/01 through 8 a.m. 11/26/01) 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 21 to 7 a.m. Monday,
November 26.
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 2001, 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.upenn.edu/police/onlineforms.htm
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 2001
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
- 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
SEPTA Police Department
- Emergencies: (215) 580-4131
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Almanac, Vol. 48, No. 12, November 13, 2001
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ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS:
Tuesday,
November 13, 2001
Volume 48 Number 12
www.upenn.edu/almanac/
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