The Los Medanos College community should feel safe overall as they go through the day to day routine on campus knowing police services is actively working to ensure their safety. However, they should be aware crimes do occur on campus and although it is never okay to blame the victim — there are certain things people can do to reduce their chance of being targeted by a criminal.

Contra Costa Community College Districts Police Services tab on 4cd.edu has a wealth of information people can utilize to help keep themselves and others safe, while on campus.

The first step is to be aware of where you are and who is around you. Avoid doing the cell phone zombie walk where your eyes are glued to the screen and not on what is happening around you. If you are talking on the phone look around once in a while. If for any reason it seems like you are being followed or someone is taking a strange amount of interest in you pick up your pace and head toward where there are more people. You might feel overly paranoid, but like the old adage says, “better safe then sorry.”

It is always good to walk in a group. Do your best to stay in areas of high visibility. If there is an area of the campus where you feel like there is not enough light or if the lights seem to come on too late contact Facilities Manager Russ Holt at 439-2181 ext. 3326.

If you are heading to your car late at night or even at other times you can request a police aide escort by calling the police services business line at 439-2181 ext. 3228. If something seems off to you about how someone’s behavior or if things like backpacks are left out where they probably should not be call the same line it may turn out to be nothing, but police services cannot respond to what they do not know about. From 2009 to 2011 the most prevalent crime on campus was theft of one kind or another. Police services expect the crime statistics for 2012 to be available next week. The simplest way to avoid someone else traipsing off with your things is to keep your possessions with you at all times. It is a pain to constantly pack and re-pack your stuff, but it is not as much of a chore as losing something.

When leaving your car take your valuables with you when at all possible. If you cannot do that then keep things out of sight such as in the trunk or under the seat. When relying on this method it is best to stow things away before you reach your destination.

If you see someone walking through the parking lot staring into other people’s cars or constantly driving past empty parking places let police services know.

If something does go missing check police services lost and found housed in their office located in Room 132 on the first floor of the College Complex toward the parking Lot B side. Visitors can also pick up a number of safety pamphlets on topics ranging from Crime Prevention, Stalking Behavior and what to do in the advent of Medical Emergencies.

If you ever feel like you or someone else is in immediate danger call out for help and dial 439-2181 ext. 3333, which acts as the college’s 911 line or simply dial 911, but this may create a longer response time.

Following these simple steps will help keep LMC a safe place to be. To learn more visit losemedanos.edu and select Police Services from the A-Z index located near the top of the screen.