Crime Prevention Tips

The Terra Community College Safety and Security Department has  officers assigned to assist with and answer questions regarding crime prevention issues on campus. These officers can be reached by calling (419) 559-2253 or 1-866-AT-TERRA, ext. 2253, Monday through Friday.

General Safety Tips

• Place a personal identifier file ("Owner_of_thumbdrive.TXT or DOC") on all thumb drives with contact information.
• Place a personal identifier in each book, several times for identification purposes (on the same page number in each book).
• Do not leave personal items unattended for even one minute in halls, classrooms, cafeteria or restrooms.
• Observe No Smoking Policy (strictly enforced).
• Use the Buddy System when leaving classes late in the evening. Two or more people walk to one vehicle. The owner then drives the other people to their vehicles, with all waiting until everyone has their vehicles running and all leave at the same time.
• Check the Lost and Found (Safety and Security,1st floor information booth in B_Atrium) periodically for lost items.
• Report theft of credit cards and checks to Safety and Security immediately. Notify your bank or credit card company. Make sure you keep a separate list of your account numbers.
• Report all thefts immediately to Safety and Security.

Wallet or purse stolen

1. Call your bank or financial institution. Have your account number ready. Report the date and time you discovered your checks missing, as well as the number of the checks that were stolen.
2. Call Comp-U-Check at (800) 444-1230. Comp-U-Check will alert merchants nationwide that the checks have been stolen. Provide the Comp-U-Check operator with the following:
              Name and address of your bank
              Your driver's license number
              Check numbers that are missing
3. Call the police. File a report with your local police department. You may be asked to provide copies of this report to merchants who have been paid by your stolen checks. Your bank may also require this report.
4. Call your credit card companies. If your credit cards are also missing, you should immediately alert your credit card companies. You'd be wise to keep a list of your credit card account numbers in safekeeping; you'll need the numbers to file reports. Be sure to notify individual department stores and gasoline companies with which you have credit accounts. The following are some charge card alert telephone numbers you should call for your major credit cards:
              American Express (800) 528-4800
              Diners Club (800) 525-9040
              Discover Card (800) 858-5588
              Master Card (800) 826-2181
              Visa (800) 336-8472
5. Call the Secretary of State's Office. If your driver's license is missing, you must reapply for a new license.
6. Call the credit reporting agencies. It's important to protect your credit rating in case your stolen checks are reported as losses by merchants. You can file a Victim Statement Report by calling the following credit reporting agencies:
              Equifax (800) 685-1111
              TRW (800) 392-112

Parking Lot Safety Tips

1. REMEMBER WHERE YOU PARKED YOUR CAR
   Write down the building that's closest to your parking spot. When you leave the building, do so through the exit closest to your parking spot. That way, you'll be able to reach your car as quickly as possible.
2. LOCK YOUR CAR
   Always lock your car when you leave it, even for a brief stay. And always take your keys. This will help prevent your car from being stolen and help you get into your car quickly and safely.
       - Top 10 Stolen Vehicles In Your State
3. ROLL UP WINDOWS TIGHTLY BEFORE YOU LEAVE YOUR CAR
   Doing so will help reduce the chances of your car being burglarized.
4. DON'T LEAVE PACKAGES IN PLAIN VIEW IN YOUR CAR
   Goods on the seat or elsewhere in plain sight may tempt a would-be thief.
5. DO NOT LEAVE CHILDREN OR PETS UNATTENDED IN YOUR VEHICLE.
6. KEEP POCKETBOOK CLOSED AND CLOSE TO YOUR BODY WHEN WALKING IN THE PARKING LOT.
   Otherwise, a thief might be tempted to snatch it and run.
7. PARK IN HEAVILY TRAVELED AND WELL-LIT AREAS.
   Parking in a well-lit area - for example, under a light pole - will make it easier for you to see the area around you.
8. KEEP KEYS IN HAND WHEN RETURNING TO YOUR CAR
   Doing so will help you get into your car faster. In addition you might want to carry a small key chain flashlight so that you'll have an easier time unlocking your car at night.
9. BE CONSCIOUS OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS
   Look around you. If you feel uncomfortable, return to the nearest building entrance and call for Security so they can escort you out to your car. 419-559-2253 ext. 2253. 

If you are ever uncomfortable or concerned about any situation while you are our student/staff/visitor, feel free to request Safety  and Security assistance.