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News Release

Contact: Joseph King, Office of Public Affairs
(815) 753-4299

December 9, 2004

NIU police offer safety reminders

DeKALB, IL—Police at Northern Illinois University are reminding students, faculty and staff that the need for personal safety never takes a holiday.

It is common at this time of year, said Don Grady, NIU chief of police, for the department to see an increase in all types of criminal activity from theft to assaults, but taking a few simple precautions can help people avoid problems.

“With the school year winding down, the rush of finals and the excitement of the holiday season, it is easy to get careless, but taking a few simple steps can be extremely helpful in keeping yourself safe,” Grady said.

To avoid problems, police advise:

  • When in the library, labs or other public places, do not leave personal belongings unattended, even for short periods of time.
  • Always walk with a group of friends whenever possible and avoid poorly lit areas.
  • In residence halls, when you are not in your room, close your door. While it may be inconvenient to lock your door to go to the bathroom or leave for a minute, that short time is long enough for a thief to enter a room and escape with your valuables. Call the police when you see people on your floor who do not belong, or are unescorted. 
  • Keep apartment doors and windows locked when you are not home.
  • Park in well-lit areas. Hide any valuables such as radar detectors from view. If you have a removable faceplate on a CD player, remove it and bring it inside the building with you.
  • Report any incidents of theft immediately. The sooner the police find out about a crime, the more likely it is that the police will be able to identify an offender. Do not touch the area where the theft occurred or move things around prior to police arrival.

Grady also suggested that students take advantage of the Late Night Ride Service offered by the university. The service provides free, door-to-door, no-questions-asked rides to NIU students on a daily basis, 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. The service operates out of the Department of Public Safety and is staffed by the members of the Security Guard Division.

“Students studying late never need to worry about having to walk home. This service is fast and free, and one we are happy to provide,” Grady said.

Safety, Grady said, starts with the individual, and keeping that fact in mind can make all the difference in the world.

“Probably the No. 1 thing anyone can do to protect themselves is to always be mindful of their circumstances and avoid potentially dangerous or troublesome situations. If everyone does that, we’ll all have a happy holiday season,” he said.

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