SAFEnet Advisories and Alerts
"SAFEnet" is the Safety Awareness For Everyone Network of the Public Safety Division. SAFEnet advisories are regular notices on crime trends and crime prevention tips for the entire Northeastern University network of staff and students. Read the most recent advisory below.
For additional information on SAFEnet or to obtain a copy of a previous message or alert, contact the NU Police Crime Prevention Unit at 617-373-2696. For additional crime prevention tips and information check out the National Crime Prevention Coucil's website http://www.ncpc.org.
SAFENet Advisory – May 2013 – Home-Office-Lab Security
Commencement is upon us, and summer is almost here, we are surrounded by new classes, co-op, and any number of summertime activities. However, we should not lose sight of things that are important to us in our daily lives. Our personal safety and security and the security of our property are two things that should never be taken for granted or put aside. Theft does occur at NU and while it would be easy to say that it’s someone else’s problem, it is all too easy to find yourself facing the reality of becoming a victim. The Public Safety Division would like to remind you of steps to take in reducing the risk of becoming a victim of theft whether in an office, lab, classroom, a residence hall, apartment or your own home. In your office or lab: be aware of your surroundings, who is there and whether or not they belong there; do not leave personal property where it is easily seen or accessed; store property securely; do not leave an area unsecure, even for a few minutes. This is an invitation to a thief. If you find someone you do not know in your office, ask if they need assistance. A thief will often take this opportunity to leave the area. Contact NUPD at 617.373.2121 right away to report the incident. In your residence hall or apartment: use riser restrictors on your windows; don’t allow someone to “tailgate” when you enter the building; make sure the doors close securely behind you; don’t allow access to anyone you don’t know; in a residence hall close and secure the door to your room when you leave, EVEN IF ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES. Register your laptops and other electronics with STOP THEFT plates, available from NUPD.
Contact NUPD at 617-373-2696, or visit our website ( www.neu.edu/publicsafety) for more Crime Prevention Information. "Your Safety Is Our Reward"
SAFENet Advisory – April 2013 – Unattended Theft
PROTECT YOUR VALUABLES - A message from the Public Safety Division - Recently there has been an increase in the number of thefts of laptops, cell phones and backpacks left unattended in common areas and unsecured offices on campus. If you are in a library, food court, indoor quad, studying in an unoccupied classroom, or must leave your office, be aware that leaving your property (backpacks, laptops, purses, jackets, books etc.) unattended significantly increases the risk of its being stolen. If your office will be unattended while you are gone, secure it. Do not expect unknown tablemates, people at other tables or desks, or those nearby to watch your things while you search library stacks, get food, use the restroom, or take a nap. Such “short-term” absences have a tendency to become more lengthy than planned. All too often, upon your return those who agreed to watch your things are gone, and more importantly, your property may also be gone. A person who you don’t know who agrees to watch your things owes you no loyalty, or obligation to do so. The majority of reported thefts took place when the owners left their valuables unattended for only a few minutes. Contact the NUPD for information on registering your laptop and applying a STOP THEFT plate for its added protection.
NUPD also reminds you to be aware of your surroundings and to not allow yourself to become so distracted, or complacent that you are unaware of events going on around you. Keep in mind that it is unwise to leave your cell phone or other small electronics in the open and accessible to those passing by your location, even if you are sitting there, where it can be easily stolen. Nor, should you lend your cell phone to someone you don’t know, no matter how urgent their request may be. Your cell phone may contain a significant amount of personal information which, in the wrong hands, could put your personal safety at risk. These situations have been present in thefts reported to both Northeastern University Police and Boston Police.
For more information contact the University Police Crime Prevention Office at 617.373.2696. Unattended property theft is a problem – don’t let it be your problem!
Contact NUPD at 617-373-2696, or visit our website ( www.neu.edu/publicsafety) for more Crime Prevention Information. "Your Safety Is Our Reward"
SAFENet Advisory – March 2013 – Bike Security and Safety
Warm weather is around the corner, cyclists are becoming more active and once again it is time to review our bicycle security and safety preparations for the upcoming months. This riding season the Public Safety Division’s objective is to decrease the number of bicycle thefts and improve the overall safety of those riding. Did you know? The majority of bikes stolen on campus last year had been secured with a cable type lock, or none at all? Warm weather and improved conditions invite an increase in bicycling, whether to school, work or just for fun. These conditions also contribute to an increase in theft of not only bicycles, but parts and accessories. Important security tips: DO NOT RELY ON ONLY A CABLE LOCK TO SECURE YOUR BIKE! Secure your bike with a U-type lock; you can add a cable, if you’d like, to lock the front wheel to the frame. Record your bike’s serial number, description and cost and save it in a safe place for future use. Engrave your bike (and parts) with a mark that is unique to you such as your driver’s license number, i.e. S123456789/MA. Loaner engravers are available at NUPD. Register your bike with the Northeastern University Police for only a $5 fee. Bicycle security is important, but so is your riding safety. Safety Suggestions: Always wear a helmet. Wear clothing that is not baggy and won’t get caught up in gears and sprockets. Wear reflective clothing which makes you more visible in low light or night-time conditions. Consider some type of glasses to keep your eyes protected and wearing gloves to ensure a good grip on the bike. Always ride with the traffic and obey all traffic laws. FOR THE SAFETY OF PEDESTRIANS AND SO AS NOT TO INTERFERE WITH BUILDING ACCESS BY THE MOBILITY IMPAIRED, NEVER LOCK YOUR BIKE TO HANDRAILS ON BUILDING STEPS OR RAMPS. Go to the City of Boston’s bike web page at www.cityofboston.gov/bikes for more information including maps, events, resources and safety tips, or contact NUPD to take advantage of the NUPD Bike Registration Program, or for information on bike safety and security including products, services and local retailer discounts.
Contact NUPD at 617-373-2696, or visit our website ( www.neu.edu/publicsafety) for more Crime Prevention Information. "Your Safety Is Our Reward"
Spring Break is approaching and it will be time to put school work aside for some relaxation, vacation, or community work. It is not time to put aside concerns for your personal safety.
PERSONAL SAFETY: It should be understood that crime can, and does occur at any time of day or night. Please review your own safety practices: travel in groups; stay in well-lit areas; be aware of your surrounding; don’t flash large amounts of money, carry your wallet in a front pocket; carry a purse close to the body, keeping a firm grip on it; avoid fights and disturbances; avoid shortcuts through parks, alleys, etc.; trust your feelings; if on campus use the Public Safety Division’s Personal Safety Escort Service when possible and contact police via cell phone, or use one of the many Emergency Phones if you feel that you are in danger.
SAFEGURADING PROPERTY: Please keep in mind: your electronic devices, your camera or even your textbooks were not free. Leaving your property in unsecured Residence Hall rooms, on a table at a food court or in the library could make it free to the person who walks off with it. However, you will need to replace it. Take simple steps to secure your property such as not leaving it unattended, locking doors and offices, keeping it out of sight in vehicles, secure your laptop with cabling or tracking software.
RESIDENTIAL SECURITY: Securing windows and doors will minimize the chance of a break-in and help protect your property from loss. Make sure windows are locked and put the riser restrictors in place for the added security they offer. Make sure the door to your apartment or Residence Hall room is locked when you leave. If you have roommates, make sure they shut and lock the doors and windows when they leave. Enjoy yourself on Spring Break, but be responsible for your own safety and security by using the same safety measures you would as if you were back on campus.
For more crime prevention information,c ontact the NUPD at 617.373.2696, or visit our website at www.neu.edu/publicsafety for more Crime Prevention Information. "Your Safety Is Our Reward"
SAFENet Advisory – January 2013; Online Security & ID Theft – A message from the Public Safety Division.
It's the New Year; we should be taking steps to make our lives better. Among those steps are an increased awareness of our online security practices and safeguarding our property. Online scams and ID Theft are as more of a threat now than at any time in the past. It is important that you take the time to examine your current online safety and security practices and update them if necessary.
Some common sense practices that will help avoid costly and emotionally exhausting experiences with internet crime are: use a good, strong password. Combinations of numbers and letters (Upper and lower case) along with special characters, if allowed, are best. Don't use something easily guessed such as birthdays, phone numbers or addresses. Changing passwords every three months or so is recommended. Did you write your password down somewhere? Is it safe there? Be careful when using a password protected account; is anyone able to see you enter the password? If you follow links on the internet, be sure you know where you are going. A fraudulent address may be seen by rolling the mouse over the ling and seeing the real address displayed. When you leave a site, be absolutely sure that you have logged out. The best way is to close the browser, especially when using a public computer. Shred bills and statements that come from accounts that are accessible online, they have a tremendous amount of information that is potentially harmful in the wrong hands. A cross-cut shredder will turn unwanted documents into confetti. Don't limit shredding to the office; shred those free credit card offers that show up in the mail., including the return envelopes with "Customer Tracking" barcodes and the blank acceptance form as well. To opt-out of these solicitations, follow the directions included in the material. Throwing away any catalogs? Shred the order form that is on the inside as well as the address label.
If you think that your accounts or passwords have been compromised, NU IT Security offers these suggestions:
- For NU systems such as MyNeu, Outlook, NUNET, etc. contact the Help Desk at 617.373.4357 for assistancxe in resettin a password or other help issues
- For non-NU accounts such as Facebook, Twitter or others contact the provider or organization directly for assistance
- For an incident in which there has been a theft of money or identity fraud contact NUPD at 617.373.2121
Information from the Federal Trade Commission and www.blogcritics.org (Kit O'Toole) was used in preparation of this message.
For more crime prevention information,c ontact the NUPD at 617.373.2696, or visit our website at www.neu.edu/publicsafety for more Crime Prevention Information. "Your Safety Is Our Reward"
SAFENet Advisory – November 2012; PROTECT YOUR VALUABLES – A message from the Public Safety Division.
Recently there has been an increase in the number of thefts of laptops, cell phones and backpacks left unattended in common areas and unsecured offices on campus. If you are in a library, food court, indoor quad, studying in an unoccupied classroom, or must be leave your office, be aware that leaving your property (backpacks, laptops, purses, jackets, books, etc.) unattended significantly increases the risk of its being stolen. If your office will be unattended while you are gone, secure it. Do not expect unknown tablemates, people at other tables or desks, or those nearby to watch your things while you search library stacks, get food, use the restroom or take a nap. Such “Short-term” absences have a tendency to become more lengthy than planned. All too often, upon your return those who agreed to watch your things are gone, and more importantly, your property may also be gone. A person who you don’t know who agrees to watch your things owes you no loyalty, or obligation to do so. The majority of reported thefts took place when the owners left their valuables unattended for only a few minutes. Unattended property theft is a problem – don’t let it be your problem!
Contact the NUPD at 617.373.2696, or visit our website at www.neu.edu/publicsafety for more Crime Prevention Information. "Your Safety Is Our Reward"
SAFENet Advisory – October 2012; Stop Theft Plate & Bike Registry
October is Crime Prevention Month and the Northeastern University Police Department would like to announce two Crime Prevention Programs aimed at helping members of the university community better protect their property.
The first is the STOP THEFT PLATE program. Installation of a small (2.5"X2") aluminum plate which is attached to the cover of your laptop will greatly reduce the likelihood that your laptop will be stolen. This plate has a serial number which associates that laptop with ownership records on file with the University Police and the STOP THEFT Company, which also maintains a database. This allows for a greater opportunity to recover and return a lost or stolen laptop whether it's recovered around the corner or around the world. The cost is $5 for a lifetime with transferrable registration.
The second program is a bicycle registration. Of the bicycles that are stolen each year many have a lock of some kind, to date, none have been registered with any system such as the National Bike Registry or the owner's hometown police according to the owners. Registering a bike with NUPD is quick, easy and inexpensive at only $5. Benefits are recording information that is important when making police reports (Serial number, make, model, cost, etc.) and contact information should the need arise for the University Police need to contact you concerning your bicycle such as moving it, or it was recovered after having been stolen. Discounts are also available for bike safety and security items at select local retailers.
Complete information is available on our website at www.northeastern.edu/publicsafety , or by calling the Division's Crime Prevention Coordinator at 617.373.2696. "Your Safety is our Reward".
SAFENet Advisory / October 2012 – October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Domestic Violence knows no boundaries, respects no age, race, sex or sexual orientation. It is often on campuses in dating relationships and among college roommates.
Massachusetts’ Abuse Prevention Law (MGL 209-A) defines abuse as: attempting, or causing physical harm; placing someone in fear of imminent serious physical harm; or causing another to engage involuntarily in sexual relations by force, threat or duress.
Relationships, under the law, include people who are, or were: married to each other, related by blood or marriage, living in the same household (Including college or university residence halls), engaged or in a substantive dating relationship. Also included are those who have a child in common whether or not they were married or lived together.
If you, or someone you know, are in a situation which you feel is causing or could cause you harm and your relationship is described in the law, you have the right to legal protections and access to programs and services, including those provided by the University, that protect your rights and offer additional assistance to victims. The Office of Institutional Diversity and Equity has programs and policies in place to deal with matters involving domestic abuse or harassment. For more information about campus programs call the Office of Institutional Diversity and Equity at 617-373-2133 or NUPD
If requested the University Police will assist victims in obtaining Abuse Protection Orders. If you have been the victim of Domestic Abuse off campus and have already obtained a Restraining Order, you are urged to file a copy of that order with the University Police so that we may be better able to enforce it when you are on campus. Protection Orders from other states are enforceable in Massachusetts.
For assistance or information contact: Northeastern University Police (617.373.2121); “WeCare” (617.373.4384); University Health & Counseling Services (617.373.2772); Office of Institutional Diversity and Equity (617-373-2133). In an EMERGENCY CALL NUPD (617.373.3333) or YOUR LOCAL POLICE AT 9-1-1.
Contact NUPD at 617-373-2696 ( www.neu.edu/publicsafety) for more Crime Prevention Information. "Your Safety Is Our Reward"
SAFEnetAdvisory - RAD class forming
A fall 2012 Self-Defense Class for Women. RAD: Rape Aggression Self-Defense System. The Public Safety Division is dedicated to teaching women defensive concepts and techniques against various types of assaults by utilizing easy, effective and proven hands-on, self-defense tactics. Rape Aggression Defense System (RAD) is a comprehensive program designed to teach women how to avoid being raped and to defend themselves against an attack.
The class will be held on 3 consecutive Wednesday evenings: 10/03/12 8:00-11:00 PM at the Curry Student Center 4th Floor Suites and 10/10 and 10/17 from 7:00-11:00 PM in 450 Dodge. Work-out clothing is required and the cost is $10. Class is open to all NU affiliated women on a first come-first served basis. Classes fill quickly; call 617-373-2697 to register. Routine Business: 617.373.2121; Police - Fire - Medical Emergencies: 617.373.3333. Public Safety Division - Administration Offices: 617.373.2696, also at www.northeastern.edu/publicsafety.
Contact NUPD at 617-373-2696 ( www.neu.edu/publicsafety) for more Crime Prevention Information. "Your Safety Is Our Reward"
SAFENet Advisory for September 2012: Street Smarts for Boston and Campus
The school year is starting, along with the annual rush for many to move in to a new “Home”. The Public Safety Division would like to provide some safety tips that can help protect you and your belongings both at home and at school.
ON CAMPUS: call ext-2121 to access the on campus Personal Safety Escort Service, available 24 hours a day whenever personal safety is a concern; become familiar with the locations of the Blue Light Emergency Assistance phones, located throughout campus; program NUPD into your cell phone: 617-373-2121 for routine calls, 617-373-3333 for Police, Fire or Medical emergencies; follow Residence Hall and Fire Safety policies for your protection.
OFF CAMPUS: Check the Public Safety Division website to learn about the night-time safety escort service to your off campus apartment if you live within about 1 ½ miles of the campus; keep apartment doors closed and secured at all times; is there a deadbolt, keyed lock and peephole?; don’t buzz anyone in that you don’t know; use window riser restrictors; know your neighbors.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Avoid showing or flashing money; wait for trains and buses with other people or at the booth; stay away from commotions or fights; be aware of pickpocketing and make sure your backpack is fully closed.
GENERAL SAFETY TIPS: Trust your instincts; stay in well-lit areas at night; use well-traveled areas, avoid alleys and shortcuts; walk with others when possible; carry your purse close to your body, carry a wallet in a front pants pocket; learn the area, what stores are open late, where the police and fire stations are.
Contact NUPD at 617-373-2696 ( www.neu.edu/publicsafety) for more Crime Prevention Information. "Your Safety Is Our Reward"
SAFENet Advisory for August 2012: On-line Safety & Security
Doing business on-line? It presents an opportunity to acquire much needed or wanted electronic equipment, furniture, DVDs and other assorted items, or to dispose of them. It has also become a way for criminals offering non-existent jobs, apartments or items that either don’t exist or have been stolen.
Important points to consider are your personal safety and that of your identity. Many sites offer safety and security tips, for instance Craigslist cautions buyers with links to safety and security information pages including: Personal Safety Tips; Avoiding Scams and Fraud; Prohibited Items and Recall information. Amazon, Yahoo, Ubid.com and others also have privacy and security information on their websites explaining in varying detail how they protect the consumer and what steps to should take if there are concerns. NUPD has investigated reports from members of the university community who were reportedly victimized by not receiving items that they paid for, and then seeing the same item still posted, receiving checks from buyers that don’t clear and a variety of Identity Fraud schemes.
These simple online safety and security tips will help keep you from becoming a victim: Meet in a public place; tell friends or family where you’re going and who you’ll meet; bring a friend; trust your instincts; meet in person; don’t wire money. Only make purchases that you can pay for by using PayPal, or some other known and trusted source if at all possible. Also, if selling an item be aware of the risks of accepting checks or questionable money orders. Never give out personal information such as account numbers, Social Security, or credit card numbers. Avoid shipping and escrow services, beware of “Overpayment” schemes. Only a scammer will “Guarantee” the transaction. Beware of Lottery scams; you can’t win a lottery you didn’t enter. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Contact NUPD at 617-373-2696 ( www.neu.edu/publicsafety) for more Crime Prevention Information. "Your Safety Is Our Reward"
SAFENet Advisory for July 2012: Bike SAFEly
Summer is here and thinking turns to July 4, vacations and a variety of warm weather activities. The Northeastern University Police would like to share some tips that, if followed, will help keep you safe during the summer months.
BICYCLING: Legally, bicycles are vehicles too, required to follow the same rules of the road as any other vehicle such as stopping at stop signs. The following tips for safe bicycling and road sharing with cars; trucks and pedestrians can help keep you safe: motorists cannot be expected to see you on the street. Ride with the traffic, use the whole lane if needed. Wear bright clothes, especially at night to be more easily seen, use lights on your bike, both front and rear for increased visibility. Wear a helmet, gloves, glasses and appropriate clothing that won’t get caught up in gears and chains. Wearing headphones, using cell phones or texting all increase the risk level. When you get to your destination remember to secure your bike properly by using a U-Type lock.
DRIVING: Remember you share the road with cyclists, pedestrians and others who may use alternate forms of travel. Be alert at all times, but especially in areas which are known for these traffic concerns such as schools, shopping areas and public attractions or recreation areas.
Enjoy your summer but do it safely and responsibly. Visit www.fhwa.dot.gov/ped_bike, www.bicyclesafe.com, www.massbike.org or go to our website www.neu.edu/publicsafety for more information. You can also call 617.373.2696. "Your Safety Is Our Reward"
SAFENet Advisory - June 2012; Summer Security Tips
Before leaving for vacation or even a long weekend, remember to take simple security precautions to secure your office, home, residence hall room and vehicle and to review your own personal safety. Crime never takes a vacation, and crime can and does occur at any time.
SECURING YOUR RESIDENCE: Securing the windows (and doors) and using window riser restrictor devices will help to make it more difficult for a thief to get into your apartment. Be sure to use window riser restrictors for the added level of security they offer. When you are away, use a timer to leave a light and radio on giving the impression the apartment is occupied.
SAFEGUARDING PROPERTY: Never leave your valuables unsecured in residence halls, apartments or homes or your office. Take simple steps to secure your property such as not leaving it unattended, locking doors and offices and keeping valuables out of sight in vehicles. Secure laptops with cabling and use tracking and recovery software. Never leave small items such as laptops, iPods, cameras and cell phones within reach of an open window. Engrave items such as external drives and DVD players. Consider registering them with an on-line service. Keep documentation like serial numbers, make, models, etc., in a safe and accessible location for use when needed.
PERSONAL SAFETY: Review your safety practices: travel in groups; stay in well-lit areas; be aware of your surroundings; don’t flash large amounts of money; carry your wallet in a front pocket; carry a purse close to the body, keeping a firm grip on it; avoid fights and disturbances; avoid shortcuts through dark parks, alleys, etc.; trust your feelings; if on campus use the Public Safety Division’s Safety Escort Service when possible, contact police via cell phone, or use one of the many Emergency Phones if you feel that you are in danger. When traveling these same practices are valuable especially if you may be in an unfamiliar setting, or distracted by your surroundings.
CELEBRATE JULY 4TH SAFELY: Summer means picnics, barbecues, parades and fireworks displays. Summer also means an increase in injuries from backyard grills, bonfires and fireworks. The National Safety Council advises that the best way to safely enjoy this 4th of July is to watch a public fireworks display conducted by professionals. http://nsc.org/resources/factsheets/hl/firework_safety.aspx. Enjoy your summer, but please remember to use common sense and stay safe.
Contact NUPD for more safety information at 617-373-2696, or visit our website at http://www.northeastern.edu/publicsafety. "Your Safety Is Our Reward"
SAFENet Advisory: Home-Office-Lab Security
With commencement upon us and summer is almost here, we are surrounded by new classes, co-op and any number of summertime activities. However, we should not lose sight of things that are important to us in our daily lives. Our personal safety and security and the security of our property are two things that should never be taken for granted or put aside. Theft does occur at Northeastern and while it would be easy to say that it’s someone else’s problem, it is all too easy to find yourself facing the reality of becoming a victim.
The Public Safety Division would like to remind you of steps to take in reducing the risk of becoming a victim of theft whether in an office, lab, classroom, a residence hall, apartment or your own home.
In your office or lab: be aware of your surroundings, who is there and whether or not they belong there; do not leave personal property where it is easily seen or accessed; store property securely; do not leave an area unsecure, even for a few minutes. This is an invitation to a thief. If you find someone you do not know in your office, ask if they need assistance. A thief will often take this opportunity to leave the area. Contact NUPD at 617-373-2121 right away to report the incident.
In your residence hall or apartment: use riser restrictors on your windows; don’t allow someone to “tailgate” when you enter the building; make sure the doors close securely behind you; don’t allow access to anyone you don’t know; in a residence hall, close and secure the door to your room when you leave, EVEN IF ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES.
Contact NUPD at 617-373-2696 ( www.neu.edu/publicsafety) for more Crime Prevention Information. "Your Safety Is Our Reward
SAFEnet Advisory - Unattended Theft
PROTECT YOUR VALUABLES - A message from the Public Safety Division
Recently, there has been an increase in the number of thefts of laptops, cell phones and backpacks left unattended in common areas and unsecured offices on campus. If you are in a library, food court or indoor quad, studying in an unoccupied classroom or must leave your office, be aware that leaving your property (backpacks, laptops, purses, jackets, books, etc.) unattended significantly increases the risk of it being stolen. If your office will be unattended while you are gone, secure it. Do not expect unknown tablemates, people at other tables or desks or those nearby to watch your things while you search library stacks, get food, use the restroom or take a nap. Such “short-term” absences have a tendency to become more lengthy than planned. All too often, upon your return those who agreed to watch your things are gone, and more importantly, your property may also be gone. A person who you don’t know who agrees to watch your things owes you no loyalty, or obligation to do so. The majority of reported thefts took place when the owners left their valuables unattended for only a few minutes.
NUPD also reminds you to be aware of your surroundings and to not allow yourself to become so distracted, or complacent that you are unaware of events going on around you. Keep in mind that it is unwise to leave your cell phone or other small electronics in the open and accessible to those passing by your location, even if you are sitting there, where it can be easily stolen. You also shouldn’t lend your cell phone to someone you don’t know, no matter how urgent the request may be. Your cell phone may contain a significant amount of personal information that, in the wrong hands, could put your personal safety at risk. These situations have been present in thefts reported to both Northeastern University Police and Boston Police.
For more information contact the University Police Crime Prevention Office at 617-373-2696. Unattended property theft is a problem – don’t let it be your problem!
Contact NUPD at 617-373-2696, or visit our website at www.neu.edu/publicsafety for more Crime Prevention Information.
SAFEnet Advisory - Spring Break Safety and Security
Spring Break is approaching, and it will be time to put schoolwork aside for some relaxation, vacation or community work. It is not time to put aside concerns for your personal safety.
PERSONAL SAFETY: It should be understood that crime can, and does, occur at any time of day or night. Please review your own safety practices: travel in groups; stay in well lit areas; be aware of your surroundings; don't flash large amounts of money; carry your wallet in a front pocket; carry a purse close to the body, keeping a firm grip on it; avoid fights and disturbances; avoid shortcuts through parks, alleys, etc.; trust your feelings; If on campus use the Public Safety Division's Personal Safety Escort Service when possible and contact police via cell phone, or use one of the many Emergency Phones if you feel that you are in danger.
SAFEGUARDING PROPERTY: Please keep in mind that your electronic devices, your camera or even your textbooks were not free. Leaving your property in unsecured Residence Hall rooms, on a table at a food court or in the library could make it free to the person who walks off with it. However, you will need to replace it. Take simple steps to secure your property such as not leaving it unattended, locking doors and offices, keeping it out of sight in vehicles and securing your laptop with cabling or tracking software.
RESIDENTIAL SECURITY: Securing windows and doors will minimize the chance of a break-in and help protect your property from loss. Make sure windows are locked and put the riser restrictors in place for the added security they offer. Make sure the door to your apartment or Residence Hall room is locked when you leave. If you have roommates, make sure they shut and lock the doors and windows when they leave. Enjoy yourself on Spring Break, but be responsible for your own safety and security by using the same safety measures you would as if you were back on campus.
For more information on Crime Prevention or your personal safety and security, contact the University Police Crime Prevention Office at 617.373.2696. "Your Safety is our Reward"
SAFEnet Advisory - Online Security and ID Theft
What do Miley Cyrus, Britney Spears, Bill O'Reilly and President Obama have in common? They have all been victims of "Phishing" schemes and Internet hijacking. They have had their Twitter or other online accounts accessed, passwords changed, fraudulent messages posted or cell phone information stolen. Other celebrities have been the victims of larceny schemes where their bank accounts were accessed. These incidents point out weaknesses in the security practices in place.
Here are some common sense practices that will help you avoid costly and emotionally exhausting experiences brought about by Internet crime: Use a good, strong password. Combinations of numbers and letters (Upper and lower case) are best. Don't use something easy to guess like a birthday, phone numbers or address; Change your password frequently, every two to three months is a good idea; be careful when using your password accessible account. Is anyone able to see you enter the password? Did you write it down somewhere? If you follow links on the Internet, be sure you know where you are going. A fraudulent address may be noticeable by rolling the mouse over the link and seeing the real address displayed on the monitor, usually in a pop-up box. When you leave a site, be absolutely sure that you have logged out, the best way is to close the browser, especially when using a public computer. Shred bills and statements that come from accounts that are accessible online, they have a tremendous amount of information that is potentially harmful in the wrong hands; Shred those free credit card offers that show up in the mail, including the return envelopes with "Customer Tracking" barcodes, throwing the blank form away is dangerous. To opt-out of these solicitations, follow the directions included in the material.
If you think that your accounts or passwords have been compromised, NU IT Security offers these suggestions:
- For NU systems such as MyNeu, Outlook, NUNET, etc., contact the Help Desk at X-4357 (617-373-4357) for assistance in resetting a password or other help issues
- For non-NU accounts such as Facebook, Twitter, or others contact the provider or organization directly for assistance
- For an incident in which there has been a theft of money or identity fraud contact NUPD at X-2121 (617-373-2121)
Information from the Federal Trade Commission ( www.ftc.gov) and www.blogcritics.org (Kit O'Toole) was used in preparation of this message.
For more crime prevention information contact NUPD at 617.373.2696, or visit our website at www.northeastern.edu/publicsafety. "Your Safety is our Reward."
