As students return to campus for the fall semester, MUPD reminds the campus community of the following safety reminders, specifically as it pertains to off-campus residences.
- Always lock your door — even when you’re sleeping, gaming or waiting for a roommate to return.
- Do not allow strangers to enter your residence or building no matter what the excuse is. Do not open your door unless you can identify the person seeking entry.
- Do not let unknown individuals “tailgate.” Ask who they are visiting and offer to call MUPD to assist them.
- Do not prop any exterior doors open to allow unescorted visitors into the residence or building (pizza delivery, friends, etc.).
- Report lost or stolen keys to your landlord immediately.
- Report any malfunctioning locks, doors or windows to your landlord immediately.
- Do not leave your keys lying around in your room when you are not in the room.
- Do not leave messages on your door about when you will be returning.
- Tell a roommate or friend if you are planning to be away overnight or for a few days.
- Report any suspicious persons or activities (including solicitors) in or near your residence to MUPD.
- Secure your valuables and engrave expensive items with identifying information.
- Always lock your doors and windows at night, especially if you reside on the first or second floors.
- Do not leave your identification, keys, wallets, checkbooks or other valuables in open view.
- Get to know your roommates and neighbors.
- During academic breaks, MUPD offers the Vacant House Watch program to students residing in the near-off-campus neighborhood. Students can register their residences with MUPD before leaving campus for spring or winter break. During break, officers monitor vacant residences during their routine patrols of the neighborhood.
- A crime prevention officer can help you assess the security of your residence. The crime prevention officer will walk through your residence with you and prepare a written report detailing any security concerns. The written report will be given to you so you can use it to discuss with your landlord.
- The university encourages all students, faculty and staff to download MUPD’s free safety app, EagleEye, as an added layer of security. The EagleEye app features a mobile BlueLight feature, which allows users to press a button in the app that connects them directly to MUPD and sends the device’s location in real-time, as long as location services are turned on.
Learn more on MUPD’s website.