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Resources

Safety Tips & Crime Prevention

General

  • Stay aware of your surroundings. Avoid distractions – like phones and ear buds, and pay attention to what’s around you.  
  • Use the buddy system, especially when going out or walking at night. 
  • Tell someone where are you going and when you will return.

Your Property

  • Register your property with the UCF Police Department so it can be returned to you easily if it’s recovered after being lost or stolen.  

In Your Car

  • Always lock your car and remove valuables from plain sight. Never leave your keys in the car. 
  • Park your car in well-lit areas. 
  • Keep enough gas in your tank for emergencies. 
  • Don’t stop for stranded motorists and don’t offer rides to anyone you do not know.  
  • Honk your horn – a good deterrent – if someone suspicious approaches your vehicle. Criminals don’t like attention. 
  • Lift the hood, put on the flashers, and wait inside for help with the doors locked if your car breaks down. Ask people who stop to call the police or AAA for you. Don’t accept a ride with anyone you do not know. 

When Alcohol is Involved 

  • Plan ahead for a safe ride home. Never drink and drive.  
  • Never leave your drink unattended, and do not accept drinks from anyone other than a bartender or server.  
  • If you think your drink may have been tampered with, do not drink it and seek medical attention if you start to feel unwell. 
  • Use the buddy system and look out for your fellow Knights. Arrive together and leave together.  

Using Rideshare Apps 

  • Make sure the description on the app matches the car and driver that show up, including the license plate number. 
  • When your ride arrives, ask the driver who they are there to pick up. If the driver doesn’t know the correct name, don’t get in the car. 
  • Ensure the child locks in the door are not on. The switch is typically located on the inside of the rear door in most cars. Before getting in, look at the switch to make sure it is in the off position. 
  • Tell a family member or friend where you are leaving and where you are going. Some apps have a “Share Status” option that lets customers share their ride details. 
  • Use the buddy system when using a ride share, and look out others. Never be afraid to call 911 if you feel unsafe. 

For Pedestrians and Bicyclists 

Whether you’re driving, riding a bicycle, skateboard or scooter, or walking around campus, it’s important to know the rules of the road. 

  • It’s the responsibility of both drivers and pedestrians to pay attention to their surroundings, which includes avoiding distractions, like cell phones, and removing headphones or ear buds so they can hear what’s going on around them. 
  • Drivers should always follow posted speed limits and yield to pedestrians even when there’s a green light.  
  • Pedestrians must always use a crosswalk and look both ways before crossing the street, even when they have the right of way. 
  • Bicycle are considered vehicles on the road and must obey the same traffic laws as other vehicles.  
  • Always wear a helmet, and make yourself visible, especially at night. 
  • Park at designated bike racks.  
  • Lock your bikes using a strong cable or U-bolt lock. Consider registering your bike with the UCF Police Department.  
  • Abandoned bicycles are also collected by the police department. If you have not seen your bike in a while and it was not in the rack where you think you parked it, call UCFPD’s non-emergency line at 407-823-5555 to see if we have it.  

Fraud and Scams  

  • If it sounds too good or too sketchy to be true, it probably is.  
  • Never share your personal or banking information with people you don’t know 
  • Never send photographs to anyone that could be a source of embarrassment or harassment 
  • Check cashing fraud has become extremely common – never cash a check for someone asking for the money up front. The check will bounce and you’ll lose your money. 
  • If you receive a text or email asking you to purchase gift cards or send money to someone you don’t know, ignore it. Do not click any links or respond to any messages or calls from these scammers. 
  • If you believe you may be a scam victim, call police immediately to report it. 
  • Confidential victim specialists are also available for support and advocacy, free of charge. They will explain your options, assist you in whatever choices you make, and connect you to appropriate campus and community resources. Reach a victim specialist 24/7 by calling 407-823-1200 or texting 407-823-6868 to discuss what you’re experiencing.