Bloomington police urge student safety

FROM IDS REPORTS

The Bloomington Police Department offered safety tips for students living off campus to “be smart” about personal safety. BPD advises students to take basic precautions, such as making sure vehicles and doors are locked, according to a press release.

“Our plan is to heighten awareness of crime prevention throughout the school year in an effort to reduce the number of reports we take where students are victims,” Chief Michael Diekhoff said in the release.

Lock doors and close windows of unoccupied vehicles.
Do not leave valuables inside vehicles, but lock them in the trunk if needed.
Park vehicles where there is sufficient lighting.
Lock doors, and shut windows to residences.
Trim bushes and trees so doors and windows aren’t hidden.
Do not put electronics where they can be viewed from the outside.
Notify police immediately of suspicious activities or people.
Do not walk alone at night, and be aware of your surroundings.
Tell people when you leave and when you plan to arrive at a destination.
Know that intoxication can make a person vulnerable on various levels, and look out for your friends.

— Matt Stefanski