For information regarding how to report a crime, contact University Police at (757) 823-8102.
The term “campus crime” tends to bring to mind a few obvious crimes, such as bicycle thefts or textbook thefts. Certainly, these thefts can and do prove very costly to victims. But a realization that any crime that occurs in society can and does occur on a college or university campus puts you one step closer to avoid being a victim. Most crimes can be deterred, if not entirely prevented, by developing simple habits and performing certain tasks. While following the tips below cannot guarantee that you will not be a victim of a crime, your chances of being victimized can be reduced.
Call for HELP!
Call campus police when you notice any suspicious activity at (757) 823-8102/8103 or call 911.
For EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE, call 911.
Vehicles
Lock your car doors anytime you leave the car. It takes only seconds to lock and unlock your car doors, and these seconds can save you from being victimized.
Do not leave obvious valuables in plain view in your car. Sometimes, temptation and availability is all that is needed to cause a would-be thief to attempt and complete a theft.
Check the back seat of your car before you get in. You may have an uninvited passenger.
Residence Halls/Apartments/Homes
Lock your residence hall room, apartment, or house door. This is probably the best simple deterrent available to protect you and your property. A criminal will often take the path of least resistance.
Do not leave obvious valuables in plain view in your car. Sometimes, temptation and availability is all that is needed to cause a would-be thief to attempt and complete a theft.
Check the back seat of your car before you get in. You may have an uninvited passenger.
Know who is at the door before you open it. Do you readily open the door to your resident hall room, apartment, or house without really knowing who is knocking or what they want? Know who is at the door and what they want. If it doesn’t seem right, keep the door shut and communicate through the door.
Do not leave doors propped open.
Out and About
Walk with a friend when out at night, and walk on designated pathways and well-lit areas. There is truly safety in numbers.
Always pick a designated driver prior to attending festivities.
Don’t impair your judgment with alcohol or illegal drugs. Avoid accepting a ride from someone whose judgment is impaired by alcohol or drugs. Avoid taking a private walk with someone whose judgment is impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Always know the location of the nearest telephone and how to report emergencies.
General Safety Tips
- Secure bicycles through the wheel and frame with a high-quality cable AND lock or other approved device. The majority of stolen bicycles were not locked at the time of the theft.
- Register bicycles with the Norfolk State University Police Department.
- Work with another student when working late at night in campus buildings.
- Engrave valuable possessions with serial numbers or owner-recognized numbers. This can be done through the Norfolk State University Police Department.
- Keep emergency numbers in your phone.
- Report any criminal or suspicious activities and/or other emergencies that occur on campus to the Norfolk State University Police Department. It’s easy to do. Report crime and testify against criminals. Every time a crime is reported, there is a chance to catch the criminal. When a crime goes unreported, the criminal wins hands down.
- In most sexual assaults, the victim and suspect knew each other prior to the assault. Knowing someone does not guarantee a sexual assault will not occur.
- Limit your use of alcohol and be wary of accepting drinks from others, even people you know.
- Make sure that you have verbal and sober consent from anyone before engaging in sexual activity.