Robbery Prevention Tips

PREVENT THE OPPORTUNITY FOR A ROBBERY TO OCCUR

- Know your destination and have a planned route.
- There is safety in numbers. Try to travel in groups, and don’t become separated.
- Avoid going about if intoxicated or on medications.
- Report all suspicious persons or activity to local municipal or TUHSC Police.
- Always remain aware of your surroundings.
- If someone suspicious approaches your vehicle while you are not moving, blow your horn and attempt to get other peoples attention. If you are on foot attempt to cross the street or otherwise change your path.
- Keep doors locked and windows up when driving. When walking you should not carry anything that obstructs your view. Try to keep your hands as free as possible. Do not read as you walk. Headphones may prevent you from hearing someone approaching.
- Keep your valuables in the trunk of your car, a locked glove compartment or center console or in an area where they cannot be easily seen. Carry purses and bags secured, and close to your body.
- Attempt to always walk, jog, travel and park in well lit areas.
- Always check the area around your vehicle and the surrounding area before entering or exiting it. Do not linger in your stopped car. If you are sitting in an idling vehicle, keep the door locked with attention on what may come up behind and beside it.
- If using a bank machine always count money inside your locked vehicle or an area that will provide you some security.

If a robbery occurs it’s your responsibility to yourself and your family to survive. You will greatly increase the danger of being injured or killed if you resist you assailant, so don’t. Your best defense is to comply with the demands of the robber. Remember money can be replaced, your life cannot. Please review the following tips on what to do in the event you become a victim:

- Always follow the last order that the robber gives.
- Robbers bring a weapon to ensure that they get control of the situation. Once a robbery has started, it’s too late to do anything now. Let him think that he has control.
- Don’t provoke your assailant, robbers are desperate people. Drugs and alcohol are often factors in robberies. Desperation, intoxication and weapons make a volatile combination.
- If a weapon is indicated but not seen, assume that your assailant is in possession of a weapon.
- There should be no surprises. The robber is already frightened and anxious. Don’t make any unexpected moves, or talk to him. Don’t leave him guessing, put him at ease by telling him that you are going to do exactly what he wants.
- Do not resist, argue, or fight.
- Do not follow a robber afterwards. Pay attention to his direction, but don’t follow. Seek a safe place where you can find help or assistance.

After the robber has left call the police as soon as it is safe to do so. Contact TUHSC Police at 55555, or if on the Uptown Campus call 865-5200. If you are not on either campus dial 911. Remain on the telephone with the Police Dispatcher until an officer arrives at the scene. Always remember the following:

- Ask any witnesses to stay until the police arrive.
- Obtain the names and addresses of anyone unwilling to wait for the police arrival, so that the police can follow-up.
- Do not change the crime scene or touch anything that that robber touched.
- Concentrate on remembering a good description to help the police in making an arrest. Write down all of the information that you remember if possible.

For additional information click on the following helpful links:

Suspect Information Tips
Dormitory Security
Protect Yourself While Using the ATM
Parking Garage Safety
Mall Safety
Mardi Gras Safety
Carjack Safety Tips
Street Sense