Off Campus Safety Tips and Apartment Considerations

Maintain well-manicured landscaping around exterior of buildings, fences, and cameras.
Maintain lighting on buildings, walkways, and parking lots.
Provide proper signage around complex (“No Weapons”, labeled parking, building numbers, etc.).
Security cameras, if any, should be monitored regularly and kept in proper working order.
Access control, if any, should be limited to residents only after hours.
Inform residents of alarm system possibilities.
Mailboxes should not have names of residents on the outside of them; names should only be on inside of mailbox.
Front door of units should have a 180-degree peephole and on rear doors at ground level apartments.
If exterior doors have glass panels, they must be double pane.
Sliding glass doors must have a secondary security feature, such as a security bar in doorframe, etc.
24-hr emergency contact number of maintenance personnel/management should be posted in a resident-accessible location within the apartment and at appropriate outside locations.
Management to host crime prevention/safety meetings annually.
Establish a Community Watch program.

Keep doors and first floor windows locked at all times.
Stop all mail and have a friend or neighbor collect newspapers/fliers when you are away for several days. Have someone park a car in parking space if assigned and numbered.
Leave porch lights on each night.
Keep a radio or television on low volume when not at home.
Purchase renter's insurance. It is generally inexpensive and may save you money if there is an accident or a burglary.
Know your Management Staff.
Know your neighbors and build your community relationships.
Know your emergency contact numbers.
Be alert and aware of your surrounding (Learn your area and places you may travel to).
Avoid isolated bus stops.
Stay in well lighted areas at night.
Whenever possible, travel with a friend, especially at night.
Tell someone where you are going.
Do not use ATMs at night.
Always lock car doors.
If you think you are being followed, walk or drive to a public place, police, or fire station.
IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING.

For apartment/apartment complex related issues or safety concerns, notify apartment management.
For any crime or emergencies, notify local law enforcement. Durham Police Department will be primary law enforcement agency responding to off campus housing in the city of Durham.
Duke University Police Department will assist Durham Police Department with any off-campus crime or emergency related to a student or employee.
If there is an issue of a Concerned Behavior or Suspicious Activity involving a student or employee, Duke University Police Department will be primary for these incidents.