With the end of the semester and the holidays fast approaching, the TCU Police Department would like to remind each of you that this is also the time of year that some of our students become victims of burglaries and thefts while they are away visiting family. If your off campus home will be unoccupied over the break, please consider the following safety tips.
• Communicate with your neighbors and let them know when you will be out of town; ask them to contact the police if anyone is observed hanging around your residence.
• Be sure to provide your neighbors your contact information in case there is a problem.
• If your car is going to be parked at your off-campus housing, remove the car keys from your home to lessen the likelihood an intruder can steal your car.
• If you have valuables that can be secured with friends who will be in town, then remove those items from the home and place them in a location where they may be more secure.
• Remove identifying flags and symbols from the exterior of your residence. A TCU flag or a Fraternity/Sorority banner is a good indicator that the residents are students and are away for the holidays.
• Consider light timers or motion lights to help protect your residence.
When reporting suspicious activity, be a good witness. Describe exactly what you observe with as many details as possible. Give complete descriptions such as sex, race, height, weight, hair color, clothing, etc. If a vehicle is involved, note the color, make, model and, if possible the license plate.
The campus community is highly encouraged to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activity to TCU Police at 817-257-7777. Please program the number into your cellular telephone and download the FrogShield mobile app to facilitate a rapid police response. For off-campus emergencies, the FrogShield app will connect to 911. The best way to increase the safety and security of the campus community is to report suspicious activity before a crime can be committed.
The Campus Life office in The Harrison, 817-257-7926, and the Counseling and Mental Health Center, 817-257-7863, have resources and support services to assist any student who is a victim of a crime or traumatic event.