• If possible use well lit bus stops.
• Stay alert! do not leave yourself noticeably vulnerable to theft by dozing off.
• A crowded bus is an environment for pick pocket. Carry your wallet in an inside coat pocket or a front trouser pocket. Carry your bag closely not dangling from its strap.
• Take a seat near the driver if another passenger is bothering you.
• If someone harasses you on a bus or subway, do not be embarrassed to loudly say “leave me alone”
• Watch who exits with you, if you feel uneasy walk directly to a place where there are other people.
• If something or someone at your intended stop raises your concern about personal safety wait until the next stop to get off.

• Plan the safest route to your destination and use it.
• Stay in well lit, well travelled streets. Walk halfway between curbs and building away from alleys, entries and bushes. Avoid shortcuts through wooden areas, parking lots or alleys.
• If possible, travel in pairs. It reduces your chance of being a victim of a street crime.
• Don’t large amounts of cash or other tempting targets like expensive jewelry or clothing.
• Try to use an ATM (Automated teller machines) in the daytime. Have your card in hand and don’t approach the machine if you’re uneasy about people nearby.
• If one follows you, be suspicious, keep looking behind you and you may discourage the follower. If someone is following you on foot cross the street, change directions or vary your pace. If someone follows you in a car, turn around and walk in the opposite direction.
• Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put your wallet in your inside coat or front trouser pocket, not a back pocket and if you have to button it up.
• Don’t wear shoes or clothing that resist your movements.
• Have your car or house key in hand before you reach the door.
• Never hitch like, or hack. It’s worth the wait.
• Avoid using cell phones or Mp3, players while walking. Suspects target phones and other items in plain view.

• Jog in a familiar area. Do not jog in a heavily wooded, poorly lighted or secluded area.
• Jog with a known companion and never alone.
• Stay alert at all times and be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not wear headphones while jogging for this can reduce your level of alertness.
• Avoid shortcuts through deserted parks, vacant lots or unlit pathways while jogging.
• While jogging stay away from shrubbery, trees or doorways which can provide concealment.
• Wear bright coloured clothing to improve visibility.
• Avoid jogging at night.
• Consider carrying a whistle or other noisemaker and sound it loudly if you are accosted or feel threatened.
• If followed go to the nearest residence, open business or group of people. Call security.
• Carry with you some form of identification.
• Never leave your belongings unattended anywhere.

• Con artists are individuals who prey upon a person’s natural inclinations to be helpful or to take advantage of a “windfall”.
• Con artists are usually talkative and intelligent and tend to blend into the environment in which they operate.
• Don’t be fooled into believing that you can judge an individual honesty or intentions by the way he or she is dressed and never assume, con artists are either male or female.
• The variations of con artists thieves are creative and abundant.
• As a rule of thumb, you should not engage in conversation with strangers.
• If you are approached, decline discussion and immediately report the incident to campus security.
• Remember, “if it seems too good to be true, it probably is”

The best way to win a fight is by not fighting. Don’t resist. Give up your property, don’t give up your life.

• Do not volunteer any information or do anything other than what the robber asks. Listen carefully and pay attention to the robber’s appearance and demeanor.
• One of the most important things to do if you are being robbed is to do as you are told and try to observe.
• Try to avoid sudden moves. The robber(s) are just as nervous as you.
• Call university security right away. The first minutes after a crime occurs are critical to law enforcement.
• Describe exactly what happened with as many details as possible. Give complete descriptions such as sex, race, age, height, weight, hair colour, scars, tattoos and clothing. If a vehicle was involved try to get the make colour and registration number.
• If you observe a crime in progress, STAY CALM and CALL EMERGENCY NUMBERS. Your actions can prevent others from being victims.

Phone theft is usually a crime of opportunity and criminal focus on opportunities you give them, whether you are walking on the street, sitting in a restaurant or coffee shop, working out at the gym at the swimming pool, in the outdoor or indoor games or studying at the library.
As smart phones have become more popular and more expensive phone theft is increasing dramatically.
To a criminal your phone isn’t just a communication device. To a thief or robber your phone is easy money.
Another frequent robbery technique is the “grab and run” a criminal catches you unawares while you’re on a phone call, snatches the device and takes off.
Yet another technique is whereby a criminal asks to borrow your phone to make a phone to make an urgent call and then runs away with it.

Here as some tips on how to protect yourself against phone theft:-

• Conceal what a crook wants to steal: do not walk in public talking on your phone, texting or even openly carrying the device.
• Be aware of your surroundings and of other people nearby, if you must be on the phone.
• Don’t wear earphones/buds while on the street. In particular, white iphone or ipad ear buds suggest you are carrying an apple product, which may target you as a potential high value victim.
• Don’t allow strangers to borrow your phone or other electronic device (don’t make yourself holy ghost junior)

Other Important Precautions

• Make sure you are issued with a receipt on purchasing your phone.
• Keep records of your phone including: make & model, color and appearance, Pin security lock code and the IMEI number (IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity which can be found by looking beneath the phone battery or by keying in *#06# on many phones.)
• Add a security mark.
• Ensure that your cell phone is password protected.
• Register your phone with your network provider when you buy it.
• If the phone is stolen report the loss to the provider immediately.
• Don’t store personal or financial information in your phone. If its stolen criminals may extract the information before wiping the phone memory.
• Activate tracking option on your phone
• Preventing a theft is far better and far easier than having to deal with one.

Remember: be smart to avoid losing your smart phone.