Police Beat: Be smart and act safe, police say

The saying “lock, take, hide” is heard and stressed around the holidays, but this phrase can be useful year-round.
 

Chief Chris Drake of the North Lake Police Department (NLPD) said even though the campus currently enjoys a low crime rate, the safety of the college community “is an ongoing concern.”

Leaving valuables out in plaiight in your vehicle is not a good idea. To protect your belongings, your car and most importantly yourself, be smart and act safe.

“Put valuables in the trunk rather than inside the car to prevent any temptation to commit a vehicle burglary,” said Drake. “‘Out of sight, out of mind.”

Becca Cott, a North Lake College student, had her car broken into at the Coppell North Campus  in 2009. “I didn’t even notice until I got inside, when I saw the installation frame laying on my seat. I was really surprised and called over to my friend and he suggested to report it to the campus police,” said Cott.

It wasn’t until the police did a thorough check that they found where the burglar entered. 

“They must have taken their time because they came in through the passenger side keyhole by drilling a hole that pushed it in,” said Cott.

It makes you wonder how someone can know how to disable such things, Cott said.  “They must have known what they were doing, because the frame was neatly removed and looked like the wires were correctly cut.”

Not even behavior that appears to be innocent can be trusted, said Drake. For instance, a stranger asking for directions or a “friendly” wave from an unfamiliar face could be just a distraction.

North Lake College Police are looking out to ensure the safety of everyone on campus.

Here are some helpful safety tips that Drake and the NLPD encourage us to follow:

Put valuables in the trunk.

Report any suspicious behaviors you observe.
Report suspicious incidents or activity to campus police.

Make sure you have your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle.

Be alert to any activity near your vehicle.

Familiarize yourself with emergency call boxes and blue light emergency phones located throughout the campus.

If it’s an emergency on campus, call dial 9-1-1 from a campus phone, or 972-860-4290 from your cell.

If someone demands your car, said Drake, try to gain time pretending not to understand, holding  your keys momentarily and then throwing them away, preferably under another parked car. “However, if you are confronted, do not resist,” he said. “And never get in a car with an assailant. Scream, run, do everything you can to avoid getting in the car.”

Once in your car, Drake said, lock it immediately and wear your seatbelt.

“If a suspicious person approaches your car, drive away quickly and carefully,” he said.
 “If you find yourself being followed by a suspicious vehicle, drive to a police or fire station, or a well-lighted, 24-hour shopping center. Go inside and call for police assistance.”

Crime Log
Jan. 23-Feb. 19
 

Feb. 2, A-200-Central Campus: Simple assault. Students allegedly spitting on another student.

Feb. 2, Liberty Circle: Disorderly conduct. Abusive student in G-Building. Detained and referred to Student Affairs.