Crime Prevention & Safety

How to keep your bike.

• Register! Register! Register! -If your bike is stolen and it was not registered, the chances of recovering your bike are drastically reduced. Thieves are less likely to steal bikes that are registered because they know the serial numbers will be entered into a national computer database. Bikes can be registered at the CSO office located behind the Police Department.
• Lock your bike! - We recommend a good U-lock. Also lock your bike frame to the racks. Do not lock your bike to itself.
• Cheap Bike- Inexpensive bikes are less likely to be stolen.

I just discovered my bike was stolen, what do I do?

• Report! Report! Report!- If your bike was stolen on University property, report it to the UCSB Police Department immediately. Officers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We can be reached at the Public Safety Building 574, Mesa Road, SB, CA, 93106 or by phone at 893-3446.
• If it was stolen in Isla Vista, report it to the Isla Vista Foot Patrol at 6504 Trigo Road or call 681-4179.
• Have the necessary information needed for the report. Bike brand name, model, serial number, value, etc.
• Keep a lookout for your own bike. Many times people are able to find their own bikes. If you find your bike call the Police Department immediately.

Additional Information

Be careful where you buy your bike. Many people are in the business of selling stolen bikes. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Abandoned Bikes: no bikes are free. It is unlawful to take what appears to be an abandoned bike and use it without first taking it to the Police Department for processing.

Bicycle Rules

• Walk bikes on walkways
• Obey all vehicle laws
• Use hand-signals when turning
• Use a bike light at night
• Never block emergency or handicapped access areas
• Only park in bicycle lots and bike racks
• Never ride a bike while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
• Never carry passengers on parts of a bike not designed for riding
• Biking with earphones in both ears is prohibited

A.S. Bike Shop

Did you know there is a full-service bike repair shop right here on campus? Serving students, faculty, staff, and alumni of UCSB since 1974, the Associated Students Bike Shop is a student-funded non-profit organization dedicated to education, service, and safety. The shop is located in Lot 29 next to HSSB and is open Monday through Thursday 10am - 5pm and Friday, 10am - 3pm.

Services offered include:

• Repair stands
• Tool loan
• Repair instructions
• 24/7 compressed air
• Thousands of bike parts and accessories

Bike Accidents

During peak hours, UCSB's bike paths can get very busy. There are a few simple precautions you can take to avoid accidents and injuries while riding a bike around UCSB.

• Always pay attention
• Avoid talking on the phone or listening to music while biking
• Keep your hands on the handlebars
• Avoid carrying items on your handlebars
• Never hang a U-Lock on the handlebars
• Obey traffic laws and NEVER assume a car will stop for you

Bike Theft

Bike theft is the most commonly reported crime at UCSB. While law enforcement works to proactively combat bike theft, there are a number of steps you can take to reduce the risk of having your bike stolen.

1. Always use a U-Lock. Avoid thin cable locks.
2. Lock the bicycle's frame in the bike lock.
3. New, expensive bikes are often targets. Avoid standing out by riding a used bike.
4. Register your bike. Registered bikes are more likely to be recovered when stolen. Bikes can be registered with the CSO's at Building 300.
5. If your bike is stolen, file a report with UCPD immediately.

Bicycle Maintenance

• Keep chain clean and fitted
• Keep brakes properly adjusted
• Make sure there is enough air in your tires

Resources

UCSB Police Department:
(805) 893-3446
www.police.ucsb.edu
Isla Vista Foot Patrol:
(805) 681-4179
sbsheriff.org
UCSB Title IX:
(805) 893-2701
titleix-dhp.ucsb.edu
UCSB Information Technology:
(805) 893-5000
it.ucsb.edu

Confidential Resources:

UCSB CARE (Campus Advocacy Resources and Education):
(805) 893-4613
care.ucsb.edu
UCSB ASAP (Academic Staff Assistance Program):
(805) 893-3318
www.hr.ucsb.edu/hr-units/employee-experience/asap
UCSB CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services):
(805) 893-4411
caps.sa.ucsb.edu
STESA (Standing Together to End Sexual Assault):
(805) 564-3696
sbstesa.org

What to Look For

Hidden cameras are often small, and frequently disguised as everyday items. By design, they are easy to mistake.

Hidden cameras are often placed in spaces with the highest expectation of privacy, so a place to start checking would be bathrooms, bedrooms, and changing rooms.

Unclaimed, unknown, or modified objects or electronics can house surveillance equipment.

How to Check For Hidden Cameras

1. Visually and Physically Inspect: Searching a room can be an effective tool in spotting unwelcomed cameras. Do not ignore unclaimed, unknown, or modified electronics, especially ones connected to power sources.
2. Turn off the lights: Some cameras have a power and/or recording light. These can be easier to spot in the dark.
3. Shine a light: Many camera lenses will reflect the light directed at them. Use your phone flashlight to find these reflective lenses. This also may be easier in the dark.
4. Check the WiFi: Ensure you are familiar with all devices connected to your home network.

What to do if You Find a Camera in a Private Place

• Get yourself to a safe place: If you find a hidden camera, if it is safe to do so, take a photo of the camera (to show local authorities) and remove yourself from the situation as quickly as possible. Your safety is the most important.
• File a Police Report: Cameras in private places (bedrooms, bathrooms, changing rooms, etc.) are likely an invasion of privacy and often illegal. To report contact your local police department to notify them of the situation.
• Seek Support: Experiencing an invasion of privacy can be a distressing and traumatic event. >See the "Resources" section for a list of organizations dedicated to helping you through this.
• Next Steps: Once in a safe location, you can notify others, folks who may need to know about the camera placement (such as housemates, school officials, authorities, friends or family).

The crime of Identity Theft is on the rise and has become a significant problem. Taking a few steps can reduce the chance of falling victim to Identity Theft.

• Minimize the amount of information a thief can steal, do not carry extra credit cards, a social security card, birth certificate or passport in your wallet or purse, except when needed.
• Keep a list and/or photocopy of all of your credit cards and bank account numbers.Keep customer service telephone numbers for those institutions.
• Never give your credit card numbers or other personal information over the phone. Many people have fallen victim to callers claiming you have won a prize.
• Order a credit report once a year to check for accuracy.

Report any unauthorized use of your credit card and/or identity to the Police Department and the appropriate financial institution immediately.

Deter thieves by safeguarding your information...

• Shred your financial documents and paperwork with any personal information.
• Protect your social security number. DO NOT carry your social security card in your wallet. Only give this number out if absolutely necessary, ask to use another form of identifying information.
• Do not give out personal information on the phone, through the mail, or over the internet.
• Never open links sent in unsolicited emails; use software to safeguard against spyware and viruses. Visit OnGuardOnline.gov for more information.
• Never use an obvious password. Try including numbers, symbols, and capital letters.

Detecting Identity Theft

One of the main reasons people ages 18 to 24 are at the greatest risk of identity theft is because it takes them longer to discover they have been defrauded. By routinely monitoring your financial accounts and billing statements, you are better able to detect suspicious activity.

Signs that require immediate attention:

• Bills not arriving as expected
• Unexpected credit cards or account statements
• Denials of credit for no apparent reason
• Calls or letters about purchases you did not make

Inspect Your Credit Report

Credit reports contain information about you, including what accounts you have and your bill paying history. Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion will provide you with a free copy of your report each year, upon request. Visit, www.annualcreditreport.com, a service created by these three companies, to obtain your copy.

Common Ways ID Theft Happens

1. Dumpster Diving -- They rummage through trash looking for bills or other paper with your personal information on it
2. Skimming -- They steal credit/debit card numbers by using a special storage device when processing your card
3. Phishing -- They pretend to be financial institutions or companies and send spam or pop-up messages to get you to reveal your personal information
4. Changing your address -- They divert your billing statements to another location by completing a "change of address" form
5. Stealing -- They steal wallets and purses, mail including bank and credit card statements, pre-approved credit offers and new checks or tax information. They also steal personnel records from employers, or bribe employees who have access. Personal information that is not properly secured at home can also be an easy target.

What To Do If You Think Your Identity Has Been Stolen

• Place a Fraud Alert on your credit report. These alerts will compel creditors to follow certain procedures before they open new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing accounts. To place an initial 90-day fraud alert call one of the following:
  • Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
  • Experian: 1-800-397-3742
  • TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
• Close accounts. Close any accounts that have been tampered with or established fraudulently. Call the security or fraud departments of each company and confirm that disputed accounts have been closed. Keep copies of documents and records regarding the theft.
• File a police report.
• Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission. Your report helps law enforcement officials across the country in their investigations of fraud.
  • Website: IdentityTheft.gov
  • Phone: 1-877-382-4357

• Pay attention to your surroundings.
• Travel with friend(s); there's safety in numbers.
• CSOs are available for escorts if you don't have a friend to walk you home.
• At night, remember that 90-foot cliffs bound one side of Isla Vista. Serious injuries have occurred, including loss of life.
• Watch your drink. Do not allow anyone to make you a drink or fill your glass. People have been given drugs without their knowledge.
• Drink Safely
  1. Eat first. With food in your stomach, alcohol gets absorbed more slowly.
  2. Space your drinks. If you feel you need to have a drink in your hand, alternate alcoholic with nonalcoholic ones.
  3. Don't pound (beer bong) your drinks.

Safety at Home

• Lock your doors- Keep your doors and windows locked when you are home and away.
• Do not let anyone into your home that you do not know and trust.
• Do not give your phone number to "wrong phone number" callers. Ask the caller "What number are you calling?"
• If you receive a threating, harassing, or obscene phone call, notify the University Police Department. Keep a record of the date, time, and content of each call.

Running and Walking
Before you leave home

• Plan your outing. Always tell someone where you are going and when you will return. Tell friends of your favorite routes.
• Know where telephones are located along the route.
• Carry identification. If you don't have a place to carry ID, write your name, phone number, and blood type on the inside of your shoe. Include any medical information.
• Don't wear jewelry or carry cash.
• Wear reflective material.

On the Road

• Stay alert at all times. The more aware you are, the less vulnerable you are.
• Run with a partner.
• Don't wear headsets.
• Consider carrying a cell phone.
• Avoid unpopulated areas, deserted streets, and overgrown trails.
• Trust your intuition about a person or an area. React based on that intuition.

Room Safety Tips

• Always lock your door behind you - even if just to go to the restroom.
• Close and lock your windows whenever you leave your room.
• Keep your valuables, wallet or purse out of plain view from the window or front door.
• Keep your curtains and blinds closed at night.
• Do not loan your keys to anyone.
• Report any suspicious persons or activity to the Police Department immediately.

Keep your property safe

• Engrave your property with your driver's license number. In the event your property is stolen it can be easily tracked back to you.
• Write your driver's license number on all CDs and DVDs with indelible ink. Keep an inventory of all your CDs and DVDs.
• Keep records of serial numbers. If your property is stolen and you have the serial number, the police can enter the information into a national computer database.
• Keep your backpack in your room when eating in the dining halls. The cubbyholes are not a secure location for your valuables.
• Never leave your valuables unattended anywhere on campus. Even if it is just for a minute. It only takes a thief a few seconds to steal a backpack or wallet.
• Keep your vehicle locked with the windows rolled all the way up.

Burglary is the unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or theft. In the UCSB and Isla Vista areas, burglary is predominately a crime of opportunity and remains one of the highest reported crimes.

Burglary can turn into a crime of violence when the thief is encountered. As such, burglary demands a high level of caution and attention.

Thieves are amateurs and opportunists looking for targets. They are looking for homes and businesses which present the lowest risk of detection, the greatest opportunity for easy gain, and the maximum potential for escape.

Things to Remember

• Always lock your door.
• Make a pact with your roommate to follow Rule #1.
• Close and lock windows whenever you leave.
• Keep valuables out of sight.
• Keep curtains and blinds closed at night.
• Do not loan your keys to anyone.
• Report suspicious activity.

The Main Issue:
90% of the burglaries and thefts in Isla Vista are the result of people leaving their doors unlocked.

Tips for stopping crime:

• Always lock your doors and make it part of your routine.
• Keep the exterior of your home and yard well-lit with low-wattage outdoor lighting.
• Close and lock the garage door.
• When going out of town, stop all deliveries of mail and do not let mail sit in mailbox.
• Turn a light on when you leave for long periods. The cost of running a lightbulb for a few nights is less than a new laptop or iPhone.
• Remove spare keys from outside your home.
• Report suspicious persons or activities.
• Report a theft to law enforcement immediately. Do not wait. The sooner the Police know that a crime has occurred, the better your chances of regaining stolen property.

Register Your Bike with CSO's

Bike theft is the number one crime at UCSB. Registered bikes are six times more likely to be returned to their rightful owner!

Bike Registration:

1. Identifies your bicycle
2. Deters theft
3. Facilitates impound release to the proper owner
4. Required by law

To register: Bring a photo ID, your bike, and $10 to Building 300

Hours: (Mon. - Fri.) 11am 2pm
(805) 893 5293

Having the registration tabs stolen from your license plate can be a frustrating experience. Below are some tips on how to retain them:

1. Peel off old stickers before applying a new one. New stickers are much harder to remove when they are applied directly to the plate.

2. After apply the sticker, score it wit a razor blade in a diagonal cross hatching pattern. This will prevent the sticker from being removed in one piece and make it much harder for anyone to reassemble.

 

Official University Skateboard Policy

• Skateboards and roller skates are permitted only on open walkway.
• Skateboards and roller skates maybe carried but not ridden in campus buildings.
• Always exercise extreme caution when traveling on campus via skateboard or roller skates.
• Skateboarding and roller skating while under the influence of alcohol and/or other mobility impairing drugs is prohibited.
• Wearing headphones while skateboarding or roller skating is prohibited.
• Should an accident occur, the parties are to exchange information and report incident to the University Police Department.

For a full list of UCSB policies, visit: www.policy.ucsb.edu

UCSB Rules & Risks

Skateboarding in an unsafe manner can cause injury on campus

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Obey all posted signs, especially those that say "No Skateboarding" in certain areas.
• As a skateboarder, you are considered a pedestrian. Bike paths are only for cyclists.
• Trick skateboarding is prohibited on campus.
• Skateboarders must never attach themselves to bicycles, cars, or other vehicles.

Skateboard Safety

• Wear closed-toe shoes.
• Check for rust on your wheels and trucks.
• Watch the road! Patches of sidewalk can be uneven and debris from trees can create safety hazards for skateboards.
• If it gets crowded, walk your board.
• Communicate with other skaters and pedestrians to avoid collisions.
• Practice!

The likelihood of you ever receiving a bomb or other hazardous material in the mail is remote. Unfortunately, a small number of such threats have been discovered over the years, and have resulted in death, injury and destruction of property.

What can you do to prevent this?

First, consider whether you or your organization could be a target. Motives for bombings are often revenge, extortion, terrorism, business disputes or political/sociological change. Keep in mind that a bomb can be enclosed in a parcel or an envelope and its outward appearance is limited only by the sender's imagination. However, package bombs have exhibited some unique characteristics that may assist you in identifying a suspected device. It is furthermore important to know the type of mail your organization receives.

Things to Look For:

• Suspicious packages or articles may bear restricted endorsements such as "Personal" or "Private." This is important if the addressee does not normally receive personal mail at the office.
• Visibly protruding wires, aluminum foil or oil stains. Packages may emit a peculiar odor.
• Excessive amount of postage stamps affixed to them.
• Letter type bombs may feel rigid or appear uneven and lopsided. Suspicious packages or articles may have an irregular shape, soft spots or bulges.
• Pressure or resistance when removing contents from an envelope or parcel.
• Unprofessional wrapping with several combinations of tape used to secure the package. Endorsed "Fragile - Handle with Care."
• Buzzing, ticking, or sloshing sounds.
• The addressee's name and/or title may be inaccurate or misspelled.
• Distorted handwriting or the name and address may be prepared with home-made labels or cut-and-paste lettering.

If You Identify a Suspicious Package

• Do not move, alter, open, examine, taste or otherwise disturb the package.
• Do not put the package in water or a confined space such as a desk drawer or cabinet.
• If possible, open windows in the immediate area to assist in venting potential explosive gases.
• Isolate the suspicious package/article and clear the immediate area until law enforcement arrives.
• If you have any reason to believe a package or article is suspicious, do not take any chances. Call 911.

What if an envelope contains powder and spills?

• Do not try to clean up the powder. Cover the spilled contents immediately with anything (clothing, paper, trashcan, etc.) and do not remove the cover.
• Leave the room and close the door, or section off the area to prevent others from entering.
• Wash your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading any powder.
• Report the incident to the police by dialing 911.
• Do not leave the area until advised to do so by emergency personnel.

Drive Now Text Later

• Distracted driving kills around 3,000 people each year.
• Studies have found that texting while driving causes a 400% increase in time spent with eyes off the road.
• According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, texting while driving kills 8 teens each day.
• 21% of distracted teen drivers involved in fatal accidents were distracted by cell phones.
• Texting while driving makes crashes 23x more likely to occur.
• Cellphone use impairs driving just as much as alcohol intoxication.
• During the daytime, 481,000 drivers use phones behind the wheel.
• The minimal time of attention a texting driver takes away from the road is 5 seconds. This equals the length of a standard football field spent looking away from the road if the driver is traveling at 55 mph.

Protect Your Vehicle

Over 1.3 million cars are stolen every year. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, a vehicle is stolen nearly every 31 seconds. Stolen cars, vans, trucks, and motorcycles cost victims time and money, and increase everyone's insurance premiums. They're also used to commit other crimes. Follow these basic prevention policies:

• Never leave your car running or the keys in the ignition when you're away from it, even if its for "just a minute."
• Always roll up the windows and lock the car, even if it's in front of your home.
• Never leave valuables in plain view, even if your car is locked. Put them in the trunk or out of sight.
• Remove portable electronic devices such as smart phones and GPS navigation systems. Even the visible appearance of a suction cup ring on the glass windshield can be an enticement to a thief to break in and look for the GPS system.
• When you pay to park in a lot or garage, leave just the ignition or valet key with the attendant. Do the same when you take your car for repairs.

When You Witness an Accident

1. Remain calm and pull off the road.
2. Call 9-1-1 and be ready to provide the location and how many people need assistance.
3. Ensure your own safety before assisting victims. If it is safe to assist, do not move the victim(s) unless there's immediate danger of fire or explosion.
4. Keep the victim(s) calm and wait for emergency services to arrive.
5. Remain at the scene to provide a witness statement for the police.

Photo Checklist to Document an Accident

• License plate(s) of vehicles involved
• Damage to other vehicles involved
• Damage to your vehicle
• Landmarks, street signs or address markers to identify the location
• Damage to any property or objects at the scene (debris, skids, fallen trees, etc.)

Click It or Ticket

Click It or Ticket is the most successful seat belt enforcement campaign ever, helping to increase the national seat belt usage rate. Coast to coast, day or night, the message is simple - Click It or Ticket.

Seat belts are the most effective safety feature ever invented and have helped save thousands of lives.

Sadly, one in five Americans fail to regularly wear a seat belt when driving or riding in a motor vehicle. By maintaining the "Click It or Ticket" brand and awareness, we will continue to reduce seat belt fatalities on America's roads.

Be Smart. Be Safe.

Protect Your ID

Do not allow your driver's license to be photographed. Provide your name and correct vehicle insurance information to others involved in an accident. Obtain contact and driver's license information if ownership/insurance information is not provided.

What to do After a Car Accident

1. Call 911 if there any injuries, or you're blocking traffic/unable to move your vehicle. Otherwise, call the UCPD non-emergency number (805-893-3446) if you want to report the accident.
2. Ensure you and your passengers are OK. Check for any injuries before moving your vehicle away from the road. Move a safe distance off the roadway, but remain at the accident scene. Warn oncoming traffic by activating your hazard warning lights.
3. Contact your insurance company and report the claim. The sooner your insurance company knows about the accident, the sooner they can begin to resolve your claim.
4. Do not admit fault. To protect yourself legally, do not discuss the car accident with anyone other than the police and your insurance company.
5. Exchange information with the other driver involved in the car accident. Gather information from witnesses if possible for a more detailed account of the accident.
6. Document the Scene. Take pictures of vehicle damage, road signs, and other surroundings to use as evidence for legal proceedings.

What is a weapon?

A weapon is basically anything somebody could use to hurt or harm somebody else. Weapons could be any of the following:

• a knife
• a gun
• pepper spray
• your own hands
• your feet
• any available object that could be used to hurt somebody else

What kind of weapon can't I bring to school?

Most weapons are not permitted on campus. This list is just a few examples to give you an idea:

• any knife with a fixed blade longer than 2 $1/2$ inches, switchblade, butterfly knife, belt buckle knife, dirk, dagger, cane sword, pen knife, lipstick knife, or any knife that opens automatically or has more than one sharp edge
• any gun without written permission and in accordance with California Penal Code
• nunchaku
• metal knuckles
• any concealed weapon (hidden from plain sight)

When can I have a weapon?

Some self-defense weapons can be carried on campus within legal limits. i.e.: You can have pepper spray as long as it is for self-defense, not larger than 2.5oz. and has a "Warning" label.

What about if you have a knife?

You can have a pocket knife, as long as it does not open automatically and has only one sharpedge.

What happens if I am found in possession of a weapon on campus?

The punishment for having weapons on campus changes with different kinds of weapons. Punishments can be either or both fine and imprisonment. For further information regarding weapons on campus, contact the UCSBPD at (805) 893-3446.

Weapons Related Laws

626.9 (i) California Penal Code
Any person who brings or possesses a firearm upon the grounds of a University of California campus, or any property owned or operated by the University of California, without written permission is subject to felony arrest, prosecution, and imprisonment for one, two, or three years. Up to four years for a loaded firearm, 626.9 (h).

626.10 (b) California Penal Code
Any person who brings or possesses any dirk, dagger, ice pick, or knife having a fixed blade longer than 2 $1/2$ inches upon the grounds of the University of California, is guilty of a public offense, punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, or as a felony imprisonment for one or two years.

16590 California Penal Code
The possession of many weapons is prohibited, including: undetectable firearm, cane gun, wallet gun, zip gun, belt buckle knife, blackjack, billy, nunchaku, shuriken, and metal knuckles. Violations are punishable by imprisonment in county jail or in the state prison.

21510 California Penal Code
It is a misdemeanor to carry upon the person, or in the passenger or driver's area of a motor vehicle, a switch blade knife having a blade two or more inches in length.

417 (2) California Penal Code
Any person who exhibits a firearm or any deadly weapon in a rude, angry, or threatening manner, or who in any manner, unlawfully uses the same in any fight or quarrel is subject to prosecution and imprisonment in accordance with the specific subsections of this law.

244.5 (b) California Penal Code
Every person who commits an assault upon the person of another with a stun gun or less lethal weapon shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail for a term not exceeding one year, or by imprisonment for 16 months, two, or three years.

245 (a) (1) California Penal Code
Any person who commits an assault upon the person of another with a firearm or deadly weapon shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for two, three, or four years. An assault with a semiautomatic firearm is punishable up to nine years in state prison.

Note: There are special circumstances when a firearm may be authorized on campus. Some examples include for use by ROTC, theatrical performances, movie shoots, class instruction, etc. Written authorization to possess a firearm on campus must be obtained through the UCSB Police Department. Contact the police department for further information at (805) 893-3446. While this requirement does not apply to law enforcement personnel, it is highly recommended that for the safety of all our department be notified when armed officers are going to be on campus.