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Thanksgiving Break Safety and Security:
Special Checks
Dear
Students, Faculty and Staff:
Thanksgiving
Break 2003 (5 p.m. November 26, 2003 through 8 a.m. December 1,
2003) 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 (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 26 to
7 a.m. Monday, December 1.
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 2003, 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.publicsafety.upenn.edu/
and go to "Online Forms" 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 2003
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
Off Campus: (215) 573-3333
Non-Emergencies: (215)
898-7297/7298
Special Services: (215)
898-4481/6600
Penn Detectives: (215)
898-4485
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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