Although The University of Tampa is essentially a safe place, the campus is subject to the same problems that may occur in the greater Tampa community. As such, UT community members are reminded to be alert and assume responsibility for their personal safety by applying common sense and using services offered by Campus Safety. Please immediately report any suspicious activity on or near campus to campus security by calling (813) 257-7777 off-campus or x7777 on campus.
Things To Remember When Out At Night
- Don't travel alone.
- Call the LASER Team or Campus Safety for a safe escort.
- Avoid contact with strangers.
- Avoid dark or secluded places.
- Keep vehicle doors locked at all times.
- Trust your instincts. If you feel like there's something wrong, then there probably is.
Electronic Tools
There are several downloadable applications for smartphones designed to help students in their personal safety efforts. A recent Web article describes six of the top available apps: 6 Safety Apps Every Student Should Download.
Vehicle Theft Prevention Tips
- Don't leave your vehicle running or the keys in it, even for a minute.
- Always lock your vehicle.
- Use “The Club" or a similar device. It is a good visual theft deterrent.
- Remember to activate your vehicle alarm.
- Do not ignore a vehicle alarm — call Campus Safety immediately.
- Do not leave valuables (cell phones, packages, etc.) in plain view inside your vehicle.
Tips For Protecting Your Personal Property
- Be alert! Do not leave property unprotected while moving into or out of your residence hall.
- If you have to leave property on the sidewalk or in the parking lot while you load/unload your vehicle, have someone watch it until you return.
- Do not leave your vehicle unlocked when returning to your room.
- Do not leave unattended items in the hallway.
- Electronic equipment, TVs, stereos, and MP3 and CD players are popular theft items. Campus Safety can engrave these items. Please call x7777 for an appointment.
- If you have a bicycle, you must register it with Campus Safety. After registration, the bike should be locked to a secure campus bike rack or stored in the secured Thomas Parking Garage bicycle storage area. All unsecured bikes will be impounded by Campus Safety.
Help Stop Theft on Campus
Every month, more than 50 percent of the theft that occurs on campus involves the theft of unattended and unsecured property. That makes theft the number one crime on campus. Although The University of Tampa is a safe environment, it doesn’t mean that everyone on campus will remain honest when they see an opportunity to steal.
Simple theft is an opportunity crime that is more often committed by the common person, not the professional criminal. The vast majority of crimes on campus can be reduced just by taking a few simple steps.
- If you see something suspicious, say something
- Do NOT allow strangers into residence halls or other locked buildings
- Lock all residence hall and office doors
- Report all thefts immediately to Campus Safety
Although UT Campus Safety officers patrol the campus 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, officers cannot be everywhere, all the time. Faculty, staff and students need to take an active role by being observant. When you see suspicious activity, something just doesn’t seem right or if you observe a crime in progress, contact Campus Safety immediately. If you witness or know of a crime that has taken place on campus, but wish to remain anonymous, you can still report the incident to Campus Safety by utilizing the Silent Witness form available through the UT website.
Never hesitate to contact Campus Safety. This is your campus — let’s help keep it safe.