Crime Prevention & General Safety

Your safety is a shared responsibility. The following tips can help reduce your risk and protect yourself, your belongings, and the campus community.

🚨 If You Need Help

Emergency or crime in progress: Call 911.

University Police Department (UPD): (361) 593-2611

If you feel unsafe, are being followed, see suspicious activity, or need assistance, contact UPD.

Personal Safety

• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
• If your plans change, let someone know your new location.
• Avoid walking alone after dark whenever possible.
• Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.
• Walk confidently and stay on well-lit, populated paths.
• Avoid shortcuts through isolated or poorly lit areas.
• Vary your routes when walking, biking, jogging, or driving.
• Never approach a vehicle that stops near you or offers you a ride.
• Do not pick up hitchhikers.
• If you believe someone is following you, go to a well-lit, occupied building and contact UPD.
• Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, remove yourself from the situation and seek help.

Protect Your Valuables

• Keep personal belongings with you or secured at all times.
• Do not leave purses, wallets, backpacks, electronics, or other valuables unattended.
• Record serial numbers and keep photographs or descriptions of valuable property.
• Consider registering or marking valuable items, including bicycles and electronics.

Residence Hall Safety

• Always lock your door and windows, even when you are only leaving for a short time.
• Never prop open residence hall exterior doors or allow unauthorized individuals into the building.
• Never lend or give your room key or access credentials to anyone.
• Do not leave keys in or near your door.
• Keep valuables out of sight and secure.
• Avoid keeping large amounts of cash in your room.
• Be alert for suspicious people or activity.
• Report suspicious activity to your hall director and/or UPD.
• Do not allow unauthorized individuals to remain in your room while you are away.

Campus Building Safety

• Do not leave personal property unattended or unsecured.
• Be aware of your surroundings when entering or leaving buildings, especially at night.
• Report individuals who appear to be in areas where they do not belong.
• Keep office doors locked when spaces are unattended.
• Secure money, electronics, equipment, and other valuables when not in use.
• Maintain an inventory of university and personal property kept in your office or work area.
• Record serial numbers and other identifying information to assist with recovery if property is stolen.
• Never leave backpacks, books, purses, wallets, or electronics unattended in libraries, cafeterias, lounges, or other public areas.

Elevator Safety

• Trust your instincts. You do not have to enter an elevator if you feel uncomfortable.
• Stand near the controls when possible.
• If you feel threatened, use the emergency alarm or press multiple floor buttons to exit the elevator as soon as possible.

Walking & Jogging Safety

• Whenever possible, walk or jog with a friend or partner.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
• Stay on well-lit, populated paths.
• Avoid isolated areas, especially after dark.
• Stay alert and limit distractions.
• Consider leaving headphones or earbuds off so you can hear what is happening around you.
• Vary your route and be aware of people or vehicles that repeatedly appear along your route.

Street Safety

Whether you are on or off campus:

• Stay alert and pay attention to people and vehicles around you.
• Walk or bike with others whenever possible.
• Use well-lit, populated streets and pathways.
• Avoid dark or concealed areas.
• If you believe someone is following you, change direction or cross the street.
• Move toward people, businesses, traffic, or well-lit areas.
• Enter an occupied building if you feel unsafe.
• If a vehicle follows you, do not go home. Drive or walk to a police station, business, or other populated location and contact police.

Off-Campus Housing Safety

• Make sure exterior doors have secure locks, preferably deadbolts.
• Keep doors and windows locked, even when you are home.
• Keep curtains or blinds closed after dark.
• Keep entrances, walkways, garages, and outdoor areas well lit.
• Do not open your door until you know who is there.
• Ask service providers or others at your door for identification and verify their identity when necessary.
• Never leave spare keys outside in obvious locations.
• Give spare keys only to someone you trust.
• Get to know your neighbors and establish a network of people you can contact for assistance.
• Avoid sharing personal information or making appointments with strangers.

Vehicle Safety

• Always lock your vehicle and close all windows when you leave.
• Never leave valuables, identification, electronics, bags, or other property visible inside your vehicle.
• Park in well-lit, populated areas whenever possible.
• Have your keys ready before approaching your vehicle.
• Check the back seat and surrounding area before getting into your vehicle.
• Keep your doors locked while driving.
• Maintain enough fuel to reach a safe location in an emergency.
• If you believe another vehicle is following you, do not drive home. Go to a police station, business, or other populated location and contact police.
• If your vehicle breaks down, remain inside with the doors locked when it is safe to do so and call for assistance.
• On campus, contact UPD at (361) 593-2611 if your vehicle breaks down.

Prevent Auto Theft

• Take your keys with you every time you leave your vehicle.
• Never hide a spare key inside or on your vehicle.
• Do not leave your vehicle registration, title, credit cards, checkbooks, or other sensitive documents inside your vehicle.
• Remove valuables from your vehicle or secure them out of sight.
• Consider using an anti-theft device.
• Avoid parking in the same location every day when possible.
• If your vehicle is stolen, report it immediately to police.

Bicycle Theft Prevention

• Always lock your bicycle, even when leaving it for only a few minutes.
• Use a high-quality U-lock or other strong bicycle lock.
• Secure the bicycle frame to a fixed bicycle rack or other approved secure structure.
• Register your bicycle with UPD.
• Record the bicycle's serial number, brand, model, color, and other identifying information.
• Keep your receipt and photographs of the bicycle when possible.
• Consider having your bicycle engraved or marked with an identifying number.

Bicycle registration, engraving, and lock assistance are available through UPD.

To report a stolen bicycle or request assistance, call UPD at (361) 593-2611.

If you see a bicycle you believe may be stolen, do not confront the person using it. Contact UPD and provide the location and description.

Sexual Harassment

Everyone has a role in creating a respectful campus environment.

• Treat others with respect and consider how your words or actions may be received.
• Do not participate in jokes, comments, touching, gossip, or other behavior that may be unwelcome or harassing.
• Set a positive example and support others who may be experiencing harassment.
• Do not encourage or participate in harassment of another person.
• Learn about university policies and available reporting and support resources.

If You Experience or Witness Sexual Harassment

If you feel safe doing so, you may clearly tell the person that the behavior is unwelcome and should stop. You are not required to confront the person.

Consider:

• Documenting what happened, including dates, times, locations, and witnesses.
• Saving relevant messages, emails, photographs, or other documentation.
• Speaking with a supervisor, faculty member, residence life staff member, counselor, or appropriate university administrator.
• Reporting the behavior through the university's established reporting process.
• Seeking support from available campus resources.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or UPD at (361) 593-2611.

Dating & Relationship Safety

• When meeting someone new, consider meeting in a public place.
• Tell a friend or trusted person where you are going and when you expect to return.
• Arrange your own transportation when possible.
• Keep your phone charged and have a way to contact someone if you need assistance.
• Trust your instincts and leave a situation if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
• Clearly communicate your boundaries and respect the boundaries of others.
• Never pressure someone to engage in sexual activity.
• Alcohol or drugs can impair judgment and awareness. Look out for yourself and your friends.
• Avoid isolated or unfamiliar locations when possible.
• If you believe someone is following you, go to a populated, well-lit location and contact police.
• If you experience sexual assault or another crime, consider reporting it as soon as possible so you can receive assistance and learn about available options.

Who to Contact for Help

On Campus

University Police Department (UPD)
Emergency: 911
Non-Emergency: (361) 593-2611

Student Health and Wellness: (361) 593-3991

Dean of Students: (361) 593-3606

Off Campus

Kingsville Police Department: (361) 592-4311

Kingsville Fire Department: (361) 592-6445

CHRISTUS Spohn Kleberg Memorial Hospital: (361) 595-1661

Remember

If you see something suspicious, feel unsafe, or need assistance, contact the University Police Department.

For emergencies or crimes in progress, call 911.