It is important for students, faculty, and staff to remember that we are located in an open and densely populated setting. Therefore, we share many of the crime and safety issues that exist in any city. The safety and security of the University is the combined responsibility of the entire community. Safety is a two-way street and the community must take precautions to protect itself.
You should take the following precautions to protect yourself and your property:
The more people looking out for one another, the more effective we will be at protecting the community.
- Store the HUPD urgent number (617-495-1212) in your cell phone. If you feel uncomfortable, afraid, or observe suspicious activity please call the HUPD immediately for assistance.
- When you leave your room or office, even for a moment, always keep your doors and windows locked. Do not prop open or disengage the locking system on the door.
- Never leave your purse, wallet, book bag, laptop, cell phone, earbuds, or other property unattended even for a moment in a public setting.
- Although it seems courteous to open doors for others, especially persons carrying groceries or packages, do not open residential doors for strangers. Never allow anyone you do not know to enter a locked building when you are entering or exiting. Do not let people "piggyback" with you! If someone does enter that you don't recognize please call the HUPD.
- Trust your instincts. Be careful when people stop you for directions, request money, or ask you for the time. Always reply from a distance; never get too close to the car or the person. If you feel uncomfortable about someone near you, head for a populated area and call the HUPD.
- Look confident when you walk. Make eye contact with passersby, and keep a firm grip on your property.
- Carry your keys in your hand so you can quickly get into your car or home.
- Know the locations of blue light emergency phones on campus.
- If you are out after dark, use only well-lit routes, make use of shuttle buses, escort van and HUCEP, and travel in groups when possible.
- Register your bicycle and laptop.
- When locking your bicycle, use a steel "U" lock rather than a cable lock. Lock the frame and tire together to a stationary object. If the bike has an easily removable seat, we recommend you remove the seat and take it with you.