Awareness helps avoid potential attacks

The following information is an effort to make people aware of steps they can take to lessen the likelihood they will be victimized. Mike Medders, University police chief, said one of the biggest mistakes people make is not being aware of his/her surroundings.

“Trust your instincts. If someone or something does not look or feel right, take an alternative route,” Medders said. “Do not walk into a situation that you do not feel comfortable with.”

Leaving the door to their residence unlocked is another way people jeopardize their safety, Medders said. “An attacker can hide inside and wait for you to return. Also, burglars would rather enter an unlocked residence than have to force their way into one,” Medders said.

Medders said there are several ways for people to be cautious, including never propping doors open, avoiding being taken to another location and letting others know where they are going and when they expect to return.