Joshua Sills\ Arizona Summer Wildcat Aaron Speight, a literature junior, prepares to lock his bike to the rack outside the Main Library. UAPD officials said that using common sense and securing all belongings on campus is crucial.

Common sense is the first step toward staying safe

Students need to remember to use common sense and street smarts during their time at the University of Arizona, for while the campus may start to feel like home, it is still a large target for criminals, University of Arizona Police officials said.

Students who might have late classes or meetings that force them to trek across campus in the dark shouldn't risk it, according to Sgt. Eugene Mejia, UAPD spokesman.

"Most criminals don't want anyone to witness what they're doing," he said. "They normally look for someone who's alone."

Even if students walk with friends, Meija recommended that they also stay away from some of the darker areas of campus, mainly areas that are under construction.

Students who arrive at their residence halls after the sun goes down should also be cautious, Mejia said. Being aware of who might be following them into the building is also important.

"Don't allow people in that you don't know who you know shouldn't be there," Meija said.

During spring 2002, two men, one recently convicted of sexual assault, were found roaming multiple residence halls on campus. They apparently gained access by following other students in.

While inside the residence halls, students need to remember to keep track of their belongings. Meija recommended safeguarding things such as laptops or other valuables in locked compartments while students are away. Smaller personal items, such as wallets, backpacks and identification should be kept well in sight and easily accounted for as well, he said.

Meija urged students to remember that in the campus environment, criminals can come in all shapes and sizes.

"The criminal could be a student or could look like one," he said. "It's just so hard to put a face on a person like this. You're always best off using common sense."

For students who keep a car on campus, it may appear practical to store at least a few things away in there. But leaving contents inside a vehicle entices that would-be thief to smash a window or to pop a door lock, Meija said.

Another good deterrent, for those who can afford it, is a car alarm. A more affordable idea could be to use a steering wheel locking device, he said.

Staying safe doesn't end at the car, either. Students who live off campus should remember to keep doors and windows locked, even if they're home, he said. In October 2001, a man whom police believe was transient James Allen Selby broke into at least two female students' homes and sexually assaulted them.

As for students living in residence halls who might be parking their cars in campus garages or parking lots for extended periods of time, they should think about moving their vehicles periodically. A car that sits in one place for a long period of time becomes a beacon for criminals, Mejia said.

For more information on how to stay safe, contact UAPD at 621-UAPD.