Eagle Eye On Crime
boston college police department
Whether you live on or off-campus, living in Boston can be a fun and rewarding experience. With this, however, comes the responsibility to protect yourself and others from crime. The best weapon against criminal intent is knowledge. Criminals have the desire to commit crimes, don't give them the opportunity.
Things to Watch for
What to do
Off Campus & Residence Hall Safety
Street Smarts On/Off Campus
Safety While Driving
Bikes and Motorcycles
Bus & Subway Sense
Elevator Safety
Fire Safety Tips
- Anyone peering into parked cars may be looking for a vehicle to steal or the valuables inside.
- The sound of breaking glass or other loud noise could mean a housebreak, or vandalism.
- Persons hanging around residence halls, houses or apartments for no apparent reason could be looking for their opportunity to commit a crime.
- Persons selling products door to door without authorization again could be looking for the opportunity to commit a crime.
- Anyone forcing entrance to or tampering with a residence, business or vehicle is suspicious anytime, anywhere.
- A person exhibiting unusual mental or physical symptoms may be under the influence of drugs, or otherwise in need of medical or psychiatric assistance.
- Parked vehicles containing one or more persons are especially significant if observed at an unusual hour. They could be lookouts for a crime in progress.
- Get to know your neighbors so you'll recognize who belongs in your building and who doesn't.
- Lock your doors, even if you're just visiting a neighbor.
- Don't open the front door for anyone unless you know them. If they're really there to see a friend who lives in the building, the friend will let them in.
- Use a buddy system when walking after dark or call BC's Escort Service, 617-552-8888. Never walk alone at night!
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times. If you feel uncomfortable, go to a public place (business, restaurant, etc.) and call the police.
- Sit near the operator when riding the "T" alone, it's the safest place.
- Keep valuables in a parked car out of sight.
- Don't leave your wallet or purse lying around and/or in plain view.
- Get a security lock to help avoid computer theft.
- Inventory and ID all your personal belongings by using Operation ID. (Call BC's Crime Prevention Unit at 617-552-4441-1 for assistance.)
- Report suspicious incidents or persons to the police immediately.
Boston College Police Department at 617-552-4440
Newton Police Department at 617-552-7240
Boston Police Department, District 14 at 617-343-4260
Off Campus & Residence Hall Safety
- Don't keep large sums of money in your office or dorm room.
- Report any broken windows or lights to the Work Order Center, 617-552-3048.
- If you see unusual activity or an actual crime in progress report it to the campus or local police immediately.
- Be careful with your keys. Don't give anyone the chance to duplicate them.
- Ask the Boston College Police about special security procedures during holidays and vacations.
- Nonverbal: convey the message that you are calm, confident, and not afraid.
- Walk purposely and look confident. Watch where you are going, and be alert to your surroundings.
- Do not use headphones when walking or jogging.
- Trust your instincts. If someone or something makes you uneasy, "get out or get away."
- Avoid jogging or biking alone.
- Watch your purse, backpack and briefcase. Don't take breaks and leave them behind.
- If you think someone is following you, abruptly switch directions or cross the street. If you're still being followed, go to a public place and ask for help.
- Make sure a roommate or friend knows your routine. Tell someone if you are going to be late or going away.
- Report all crime to the Boston College Police.
- Vary your route and schedule.
- Don't overburden yourself with packages and groceries that could make it hard to react.
- Bring "emergency" change for cab fare, bus fare, or a telephone call.
- Use well-lighted, well-traveled routes.
- Avoid shortcuts through isolated or wooded areas.
- Accept rides only from persons you trust. If harassed from a car, walk swiftly or run in the opposite direction. If you are really frightened, scream for help.
- Avoid isolated areas like library stacks late at night, and laboratories after class hours. If you must be in those places, work with a friend, let someone know where you are, and be extra alert.
- Be with a friend, not alone, especially if you're headed for a late night snack or study break.
- Use the BC Escort Service.
- Lock all doors and close all windows when driving your car, whether it's for a few minutes or several hours.
- Park in well-lit areas.
- Have keys ready when you approach your car. Check your car before entering and lock doors immediately after getting in.
- Always keep your gas tank at least half full.
- Store valuables out of sight or lock them in the trunk when your car is parked.
- Never attach a name or your BC ID to your key ring. Keep car keys separate from other keys.
- If your car breaks down in an isolated area, raise the hood and then stay in the locked car. If someone stops to help, ask them to call the police. Sound horn if threatened.
- Never pick up people you do not know.
- Park in well-lighted and well-traveled areas. Use a cover if you have one.
- Always lock your bike or motorcycle when it is unattended, even if it is only for a few minutes.
- Register your bike with the Boston College Police.
- Use well-lighted bus stops.
- If someone harasses you, don't be embarrassed, just yell, "leave me alone!"
- Watch who gets off the bus or subway with you. If you feel uneasy, go where there are other people - a dorm, a store, a café, fire station, or gas station.
- Stand back from the platform edge. Avoid sitting near the exit door. Someone can reach in and grab a purse or jewelry just before the train pulls away.
- Look in the elevator before getting in.
- Stand near the controls.
- Get off if someone suspicious enters. If you're worried about someone who is waiting for the elevator with you, pretend you forgot something and don't get in.
- If threatened, hit the alarm or use the phone.
- Smoke detectors are an important safety precaution in any building or apartment. (If there are none in your apartment contact your landlord about installing one, it is the law.) Once the detectors are installed, test them periodically.
- You should have a planned escape route in case of fire, with two ways out.
- Have fire extinguishers within cooking areas and also in areas where there are smokers. Carelessly discard of cigarettes is the leading cause of fire deaths in the United States.
- Never leave cooking unattended.
- Replace electrical cords that are cracked or frayed.
- Don't overload extension cords or run them under carpets.
- If a fire occurs, stay calm and exit the building through your escape routes. If the area is smoky, stay close to the floor for better air. Most deaths occur due to smoke inhalation, not the fire itself.