Crime Prevention

Although you cannot prevent another's actions, there are steps you can take to reduce the opportunity of falling victim to a criminal incident. Our compiled safety precautions encourage intentional planning and informed behaviors that will help you avoid risk and minimize the repercussions of a criminal incident.

We also regularly offer crime prevention presentations during the year to University departments and individuals which can be scheduled as the need arises. For information on scheduling a Crime Prevention Presentation, please contact us.

Preventative Actions

• Awareness & Personal Safety
  • Be aware. Awareness of your surroundings can add to your personal safety. If you think you are being followed, or notice someone who is suspicious, go to a place of calculated security and call DCS.
  • While on campus, report suspicious activity to DCS immediately by calling 303.871.3000 (1‐3000).
  • Use the "Buddy System" whenever possible. Travel with a trusted friend to minimize your vulnerability. When going to parties or on community walks, have a friend with you to assure you both are safe.
  • When traveling alone on campus after dark, call us for a walking escort. Escorts are available to students, staff and faculty by calling 303-871-2334.
  • Become familiar with lighted areas when walking at night. The DU campus has several well-lit sidewalk areas throughout campus. Use these sidewalks after dark.
  • Keep your doors locked, even if you are in the room. Do not allow people to follow you into secure locations. Request that a "tailgater" use his or her key or swipe card to gain entry.
  • Report any unusual or suspicious activity that you witness. Even the smallest bit of information could prevent a crime and help protect yourself or others.
  • Stay aware of your surroundings. Listening to music or using your phone can distract you from people or vehicles around you.
  • Seek training in viable self-defense techniques. Do not allow the opportunity for a crime to occur—avoid placing yourself in environments in which it's easier for criminals to commit a personal crime.
  • If possible, let a friend or roommate know where and with whom you'll be and when you'll be back when you go out.
  • Consider carrying a whistle or a personal alarm to alert others if you need help.
  • Lock your car doors and roll up the windows completely—even if you're only parking for a moment.
  • If you choose to drink, drink legally and responsibly. Your ability to respond is diminished by overconsumption of alcohol.
  • When driving, be aware of pedestrians and bicyclists and yield to them when required by law
  • Update your contact information with the University of Denver's emergency notifications system (DU Alerts) on the Division of Campus Safety webpage to receive messages about critical safety issues on campus.
• Bicycle Registration

  DU asks those who bring a bicycle to campus to register their bike with Parking and Mobility Services. The registration is free and is used to help alert bicycle owners to potential problems with their bicycles or to return a lost/stolen bike to its rightful owner. Bicycle Registration is managed through the University’s Parking and Mobility Services at the following link:

  Bicycle Registration - Parking and Mobility Services

• Bicycle Security
  • Secure your bicycle using only U-Lock devices and ensure that the U-Lock is through the bicycle’s frame. Students, staff and faculty often wonder why we require the use of U-Locks. The reason is simple: cable locks are easily cut with basic tools and allow bikes to be stolen in a matter of a few short moments.
  • Only secure your bicycle to designated bicycle racks.
  • Check on your bicycle every couple of days, at minimum.
  • Please take a minute to review a video produced by the Denver Police Department regarding keeping your bicycle safe. The video contains a demonstration of how easily cable locks are defeated.
     
• Bicycle Safety Tips & Laws
  • Bikes and cars–same rights, same laws. Obey stop signs, traffic signs and traffic lights. Set an example for everyone and wait for the green light.
  • Take your place in traffic. Ride your bike/skateboard on the street or on campus brick pathways at a safe speed. City sidewalks are reserved for pedestrians.
  • Always ride with traffic. Ride on the right (or left on one-ways) where drivers expect to see you.
  • Be alert and be visible. Steer clear of riding with earphones and use lights at night.
• Assistance Stations
  • Assistance Stations are fixed phones placed throughout the DU Campus that provide a direct link to the DCS Communication Center. These stations are blue in color, feature the words “Assistance” on the tower or wall box, and have a push button on the front that reads “Call”. They are used to provide assistance to anyone who is in distress or needs emergency assistance or general campus assistance.
  • All efforts are made to regularly check and maintain the emergency phones and assistance stations so that they are in good working order. However, from time to time they do need maintenance. If you notice a problem with an emergency phone or an assistance station, please call DCS at 303-871-2334.
• Fraud Prevention
  • Shred trash (checks, junk mail and personal documents) with a cross-cut or confetti shredder.
  • Minimize financial and personal information carried on your person or in public, especially your Social Security Number.
  • Do not give out personal or account information unless you know who you are speaking to and you made the contact.
  • Research and become aware of the numerous types of fraud and scams such as shipping scams, check-cashing scams, Nigerian scams, Lotto scams, confidence games and internet scams.
• Pedestrian Safety Tips & Laws
  • Always cross the street at an intersection.
  • Obey the “walk/don’t walk” pedestrian signals. Don’t enter the crosswalk once the hand begins flashing.
  • Use the “push to walk” button, where available. It adds pedestrian crossing time to the traffic signal.
  • Always stay alert. Don’t be a distracted walker.
  • Never assume vehicles see you. Look both ways before you cross the street.
  • Always cross the street at an intersection.
  • Obey the "walk/don't walk" pedestrian signals. Don't enter the crosswalk once the hand begins flashing.
  • Use the "push to walk" button, where available. It adds pedestrian crossing time to the traffic signal.
  • Always stay alert. Don't be a distracted walker.
  • Never assume vehicles see you. Look both ways before you cross the street.
  • Under Colorado State Law, as a pedestrian, you do not have the right of way until you establish yourself in the crosswalk. If you are crossing at any location other than a crosswalk, you must yield to vehicular traffic.
• Preventing Violence on Campus

  If you live on campus:

  • Do not prop doors open
  • Lock your residence at all times
  • Report suspicious activity by calling 911 and 303-871-3000.
     

  If you live off-campus:

  • Keep doors and windows locked, blinds/curtains closed, exterior lights on and report suspicious activity by calling 911.
     

  If you are in a vehicle:

  • Keep the doors locked at all times and have keys in hand before getting to your vehicle.
  • Do not stop for hitchhikers.
     

  If you are walking:

  • Stay in well-lit, high-traffic areas. All community members are welcome to contact Campus Safety for a walking escort 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, by calling 303-871-2334.