Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I be concerned about safety off-campus?
A: You should always be conscious of your personal safety and the safety of your property. Criminals are opportunistic and always look for easy targets such as homes that are left open, not well maintained, out of eyesight or earshot of neighbors, or obscured by landscaping or fencing. The best way to minimize your chances of becoming a victim is to take sensible precautions.
The following tips are offered by the City of Syracuse Police Department and are designed to help you reduce your chances of becoming a victim of crime. You may already be aware of some of these strategies, but others may be new to you. Remember to trust your instincts and use common sense.
Before Renting an Apartment
Survey
the residence for the following security features:
- Does the apartment have metal or solid core wooden entry and exit doors? Are these doors equipped with deadbolts? Are the locks mounted securely? Have the doors been re-keyed since the last tenant moved out?
- Can visitors be observed without opening the apartment door either through a door “peephole” viewer or window?
- Does any outside vegetation block doors or windows from public view? Does the vegetation provide places or concealment at entrances at or along walkways?
- Is there adequate lighting at the building entry doors and along walkways? Are the outer doors kept locked at all times?
In Your Apartment
- Keep your doors locked at all times, especially when you are alone, sleeping, or the apartment is unoccupied (even if only for a few moments).
- Determine who is on the other side of the door before opening it. Have repair or service personnel show official identification and confirm their presence with the person requesting the service. Delivery persons should remain outside to await the person requesting the delivery.
- If you return home and something looks questionable (e.g., a slit screen, broken window, or open door) do not go inside. Call the Syracuse Police Department from a safe location.
- Be sure you have blinds or curtains on your windows to discourage window peepers. Always keep your windows covered at night and leave lights on in two or more rooms.
- Make a list of your valuables and record any serial numbers.
- Be sure all outdoor lighting fixtures are in working condition. Ask your landlord to make immediate repairs.
- Place items of value out of sight and in locked areas. Do not leave valuables unattended in such common areas as laundry rooms and lounges.
- Ask your landlord to maintain and trim shrubbery.
Before Leaving for Long Breaks
- Be sure there is good lighting around all doors, especially those doors not visible from the street.
- Lock sliding doors, and place a wooden or metal bar in the track of the doors.
- Do not hide spare keys in places outside.
- Buy a timer that automatically turns on exterior lights at a predetermined time or when there is motion.
- Arrange for a neighbor whom you trust to watch over your house or to store your valuables while you are away.
- Take anything of value home with you. Do not leave any valuable items near windows. Take pictures of anything valuable in case it is stolen.
- Make sure all windows are secure and have curtains on them.
- Ask the post office to hold any mail for you until you return from break.