Off-Campus Safety Tips
- There is safety in numbers, travel in groups whenever possible.
- Always let someone know where you are going. Carry a cell phone with emergency number (s) pre-programmed.
- Take advantage of campus provided transportation.
- Using alcohol or other drugs impairs your judgment. Be responsible.
- If you are approached by someone who demands your property, cooperate. Your immediate safety is worth more than the value of any property that you may surrender.
- Promptly report all crimes to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).
- Report immediately all crimes to BUSE Security.
- The information that you provide to ZRP and BUSE Security may assist them in preventing similar crimes.
Work with your roommates and neighbours to keep your Off-campus House safe this year. Always remember to lock your door, and review these tips to protect your home and your belongings.
- You have the right to ask your landlord to change or re-key the locks to your unit before you move in. You never know who may still have a key.
- Check to see who is at the door before answering, especially when home alone.
- Keep windows and doors adequately secured at all times. If a lock in your residence is broken, contact the landlord immediately.
- Advise landlords to secure doors with safety bars, which can be placed in the door track to prevent the door from being forced open.
- Never hide an extra key under a mat, in a flowerpot, or any other easily accessible place – criminals know all the hiding places. Instead, give your key to trusted neighbours.
- Close your curtains or blinds at night to prevent strangers from seeing what is inside your room.
- Ask the landlord to trim trees and bushes near your home’s entrances to maximize visibility.
- Maintain good lighting at all entrances and keep porch lights on at night.
- Keep a list of your valuable property in case anything is stolen from your house or apartment. Include the make, model, serial number and date of purchase of each item.
- Develop a “buddy” system with your neighbours. Be alert for suspicious-looking strangers, sounds, or actions in the hallways and notify the police or BUSE security or the household security at once.
- Do not enter or leave the house if you notice strangers loitering. Don’t hold the door open or allow others to follow you inside unless they live in the house or have permission to enter from a tenant.
- Ask for proper identification from repairmen, utility workers or strangers. Don’t be afraid of asking – if they are legitimate, they won’t mind. Never give keys to repairmen or delivery persons.
- If you come home and find signs of forced entry, don’t go inside alone.
If you leave for an extended period of time, take these extra precautions to protect your home:
- Make sure all windows and doors are securely locked.
- Close all curtains and blinds so strangers can’t peep inside.
- Hide electronics/other valuables or take these items with you.
- Disconnect power cords and electrical appliances that will not be in use.
- Try to make your home look occupied by leaving a few lights on or setting up lamps on a timer.
- Have your mail and/or newspaper delivery temporarily held while you are away. Visit holdmail.usps.com to schedule this service with the local post office.
- Have a trusted friend or neighbour check on your property. Make sure they have a phone number to contact you in case of an emergency.
Personal Safety
- Know your neighbours.
- If you decide to walk alone, especially at night, use well-lighted, familiar streets. Never take poorly lighted shortcuts through alleyways or wooded areas or tall-grass areas where someone may be hiding.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Plan your route and walk with confidence.
- Avoid wearing earbuds or talking on the phone.
Kindly take note that these are a few of the many ways of ensuring safety. Remember to share all the safety tips that you have.
Wishing you a safe stay and prosperous studies.
