PS Home

Department of Public Safety

     Crime Tips

Auto Theft

The Department of Public Safety Offers the following Services to help prevent Auto Theft:

Combat Auto Theft- FREE- Owner registers vehicle with the NYPD.  Car is not operated between 1 AM & 5 AM. Decals are affixed to rear side windows of registered vehicle. Police can stop a registered vehicle if it is being operated between those hours.

Commuter C.A.T.- FREE- GOAL: Reduce theft of automobiles parked during the day by commuters. Local vehicle will be parked during business hours (10AM to 4PM). Owner signs waiver giving the police the right to stop the vehicle if it is operated during those hours. Decals are similar to C.A.T. stickers with the addition of black stripes stickers. 

H.E.A.T.- FREE- (HELP END AUTO THEFT) Majority of persons arrested for auto theft were under 25 years old. Owners register vehicle in local precinct. Owner must be over 40 years old. Owner signs waiver stating that persons under 25 years old does not use auto. Police have the right to stop the auto anytime a person apparently under the age of 25 is operating it. 

Auto V.I.N. Glass Etching- FREE-The auto’s vehicle identification number is etched onto all the auto’s class. Serves to deter theft and trace the stolen part. Save up to 15% off your comprehensive insurance.

“The Club” &“The Cover”- Discounted- High visibility, tough to defeat, unbeatable protection, installs in seconds, tempered steel, self locking, police recommended. It is highly recommended that you use The Club & the Cover together. The Cover protects the airbag  & prevents your steering wheel from being cut and The Club defeated.

For more information please call Crime Prevention Office @ 212-854-8513

   _________________________________________________________________________________________________

  Preventing Auto Theft

      A vehicle is stolen every 25 seconds in the United States. Follow these tips to help keep your vehicle safe:

• Remove your keys from the ignition after every use.
• Lock your vehicle, no matter where you are.
• If you must leave your key with a parking attendant, leave only your vehicle's ignition key. Do not leave anything attached to it with your name and address.
• Keep your vehicle keys separate from your house keys.
• Do not park your vehicle in an isolated area where there are few passers-by.
• Always park in secured lots that are well lit and near high traffic areas.
• Always have your keys ready before you reach the car.
• Always look under and around your vehicle before approaching it.
• Check the back seat of your vehicle before entering it and immediately lock the door behind you.
• Copy your tag number and vehicle identification number on a card, and keep it with your driver's license.
• Write your driver's license number on a business card, and drop it down the window slot to serve as identification, in case the VIN is removed.
• Keep your vehicle registration with you when driving, but do not leave it in the car.
• Engrave your driver's license number and state on valuable components such as stereos and cellular phones.
• Etch the vehicle identification number onto your vehicle windows to deter thieves and aid in recovery.
• Consider the use of second layer anti-theft devices such as steering wheel locks and window etchings.
• Keep your garage door opener with you at all times. If your vehicle is stolen, the thief may attempt to get into your home.
• Park with your front wheels turned sharply, this will make your vehicle more difficult to tow away.
• Remove valuables from the vehicle and place them out of view in the trunk.
• If you are being followed, drive to the nearest police station, or populated area, and honk your vehicle's horn.
• Always drive with your doors locked and your windows rolled up.
• Be suspicious of anyone approaching your vehicle, whether passing out leaflets or asking for donations.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

         Carjacking Attempts

A carjacking can happen anytime a thief sees the opportunity. Learning to recognize the warning signs can help you protect yourself and your vehicle.

• Be ware of intersections, parking garages or lots, self-serve gas stations and car washes, ATMs, highway exit and entry ramps, and any other place where you might slow down or stop.
• If you are rear-ended, check your surroundings before getting out of the car. If the situation makes you feel uneasy, write a description of the vehicle and the tag number, and signal the car to follow you to the nearest police station or populated area. If you do get out of the car, take your keys and wallet or purse, and stay alert.
• If you are involved in a carjacking, do not argue. Your vehicle is always worth far less than your life. Leave the area as soon as possible and report the incident to the police. Remember details of the carjacker's appearance, such as age, sex, race, hair and eye color, clothing, and identifying features such as scars.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

  Automotive Breakdowns

It is a commonly known fact that vehicles can and do breakdown. Follow these tips to ensure your safety.

• Check your car's tires, oil, and belts. Proper maintenance is essential to preventing breakdowns.
• If your insurance does not include a roadside assistance endorsement, consider joining an automobile association that offers roadside assistance to its members.
• Purchase a cellular phone, which will allow you to call for assistance without leaving your car.
• Make sure you know how to change a tire, and check your spare.
• Plan your route ahead of time, and let someone know where you are going.
• Pack a survival kit with flares, jumper cables, a first-aid kit, bottled water, an extra quart of oil, radiator fluid, a blanket, and road atlas.

_____________________________________

             Harassing, Obscene Phone Calls are Against the Law

Receiving unwanted calls can be frustrating and sometimes frightening. However, in most cases, the calls can be stopped by using some simple but effective techniques. These calls are made for any number of reasons, broken relationships, an unhappy employee or co-worker, callers who simply hang up if someone other than the person they’re calling answers. Often they’re placed by someone you know. The key to handling the calls is not to react to them. Reacting could encourage the caller.  In Addition,

·         HANG UP when you    realize the call is intended to harass you.

·         BEWARE of persons claiming to be the police, a doctor or a university official. Get their number and call them back.

·         KEEP TRACK of the date and time of the calls to determine a pattern. This can help you narrow the possible suspects.

REPORT harassing calls to your telephone carrier and the police or, if you live on campus, Columbia University Dept. of Public Safety 854-5555  (MS campus) or 305-7979 (MC campus). Calls can be traced and forwarded to the Police for investigation and possibly, conviction.  

_____________________________________

  Identity Theft– A Growing Problem

Identity theft occurs when someone wrongfully uses your personal identification to obtain credit, loans, services, even rentals and mortgages in your name.  Information can be stolen from a consumer in a variety of ways including: Going through your mail or trash to take pre-approved credit card offers, discarded receipts or other personal information; stealing your purse or wallet; calling you over the phone posing as a solicitor in order to gain personal information including date of birth and social security number or looking over your shoulder at an ATM while you are accessing your account, to steal your password, or pin.

Avoid becoming a victim: Order copies of your credit report from all 3 credit reporting agencies to get as much information as possible. Contact the credit reporting agencies in writing and let them know you are disputing inaccurate items in your credit report due to possible identity theft. Contact the credit card companies who are reporting the false debt and have them investigate possible identity theft. Keep all copies of all letters; document phone calls and request a letter from the agencies stating these items are under investigation. Do not carry important documents such as your social security card, birth certificate or passport unless absolutely necessary.

Only carry the credit cards in your purse or wallet that you need when shopping. Keep a list of your credit card account numbers, with expiration dates and telephone numbers for all your bank accounts and keep them in a safe location. In an emergency, you can notify these companies quickly to avoid fraudulent charges or purchases. Invest in a shredder and shred discarded papers with your information. Use a mix of letters and numbers when creating passwords.

_____________________________________

                      "Phishing" - The Hottest & Most Troubling New Scam on the Internet

Phishing is the term coined by hackers who imitate legitimate companies in e-mails to entice people to share passwords or credit-card numbers. Recent victims include Charlotte’s Bank of America, Best Buy and eBay, where people were directed to Web pages that looked nearly identical to the companies sites.  Tips on how to avoid the internet scam know as phishing:

If you receive an unexpected e-mail saying your account will be shut down unless you confirm your billing information, do not reply or click any links in the e-mail body.

·         Before submitting information through a website, look for the “lock” icon on the browser’s status bar. It means your  information is secured during transmission.

·         If you are uncertain about the information, contact the company through an address or telephone number you know to be genuine. 

·         If you unknowingly supplied personal or financial information, contact your bank and credit card company immediately.

Suspicious e-mails can be forwarded to uce@ftc.gov, and complaints should be filed with the state attorney general’s office or through the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov.

_____________________________________

              Personal Safety—Street Smarts

Four ways to increase your personal safety:

1-Reduce or eliminate opportunities that make you a target.

2-Remain alert, even in places you’re most comfortable.

3-Trust your instincts, even if it makes you feel self conscious

4-Prepare your daily schedule with safety in mind.  

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

   Walking–Be Street Smart

Use well populated and well lit streets. If you suspect you’re being followed, stay away from deserted blocks and head for an area where there are many people, or the nearest open store or a Public Safety SAFE HAVEN (RED LION DECAL ON WINDOW).

Ask the storeowner to call 911 or CU Public Safety. If you’re being driven home, ask the driver to wait until you are safely inside. Use Public Safety ’s Escort Service  (854-SAFE at  M.S. campus or 305-8100 at H.S. campus). If you have a cell phone, program the Escort & Public Safety Emergency numbers:

212-854-5555 at MS Campus & 212-305-8100 at MC Campus.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

  Home

Have your keys ready before you get to the door. Look back before entering you’re building or home. If you live in an apartment, close the lobby door behind you, especially if a stranger is approaching. Make all visitors and delivery persons use the doorbell. When placing name on mailboxes or on your bell, use only the last name, e.g., The Smiths.

When recording an outgoing message on your answering machine, avoid leaving your name, phone number or a message that indicates you’re not at home. A good message is, “We are unable to answer the phone. Please leave a message.” Say it confidently.

  _____________________________________

                   Crime Prevention Tips During Exam Periods

During exam times, thefts of personal property seem to increase. We ask you to be vigilant in safeguarding your possessions. Please do not leave them unattended, even for a few minutes.

·         Be mindful of your surroundings while in the library, lounges, and cafeteria. Students often get so involved in their studies that they tune out their surroundings, thereby creating an opportunity for a theft to occur.

·         Do not leave your backpacks, laptops, cell phones, books, pocketbooks, CD players, etc., unattended & unsecured.

·         While in the library, “TEAM UP” with a friend to watch your property while you take a break and then you do the same for them.

·         Remember to lock your room door, even if you are only going next door or to the bathroom for a minute,

·         Do not prop open doors.

As always, report suspicious activity to Public Safety RIGHT AWAY! @ The Morningside Campus 854-5555 or 99 on campus. @ The Medical Center Campus 305-8100 or 5-7979 on campus.

_____________________________________