Like a neighborhood watch program, the campus community can help deter robberies and thefts by using common sense and taking a few simple preventive measures.

“Use good common sense. There’s something to that saying that ‘Nothing good happens after midnight,’” said Dave Groseclose, Georgia College Assistant Vice President for Public Safety. “If you see suspicious activity by unknown people on campus or see suspicious vehicles, immediately report them directly to the Public Safety Office.”

Unfortunately, difficult economic times, increased unemployment, and the shorter daylight hours can help fuel more crimes of opportunity like robberies, burglaries and auto break-ins. The holiday season is often coupled with an increase in crime as well.

“And that could get worse before it gets better,” Groseclose said. “We will continue to aggressively patrol the campus to ensure the safety of our students, faculty and staff. Additionally, we are launching an educational safety campaign to reemphasize the safety tips that can help protect members of the campus community.”

Students, faculty and staff who believe that their safety may be compromised are reminded that they can call the GCSU Public Safety Department at (478) 445-4400 for a police escort.

Members of the university also should remember that parking restrictions are not enforced after 5 p.m., giving drivers the opportunity to park closer to their classrooms, housing and events.

And the Georgia College shuttle service remains on call between 9 pm and 11 pm, according to Greg Brown, Georgia College Assistant Director of Auxiliary Services.

“You just need to pick up the phone and call 478-445-7433 and a shuttle will pick you up and deliver you to campus or to your parked vehicle,” Brown said.

The effort to increase safety awareness follows an early morning armed robbery on Nov. 7 of two Georgia College coeds.

That robbery appears to have been planned by two men who were looking for victims of opportunity, according to Georgia College Detective Robert Butler. Fortunately, no one was injured in the robbery.

“The robbery came from a vehicle looking for people to rob,” Butler said. “He took the coeds purses at gunpoint and returned to that same vehicle for his getaway.”

The armed robber is described as a white male, approximately 6 feet tall with blond hair and a slim build. He was wearing a black hooded shirt and black pants.

The vehicle involved was described as a dark-colored, four-door sedan.

If you have information about the robber or the vehicle, please call Detective Butler at (478) 445-4469.

Whether you live on campus, in neighborhood housing or come to the campus to work or teach, pay special attention to your surroundings and take precautions to ensure your safety and your neighbors’ safety.

“Unfortunately, there are criminals out there waiting to take advantage of you making a mistake,” Groseclose said. “Don’t make yourself a target.”

Campus Safety Tips:

• Walk to your vehicle in pairs or in a group
• Vary your routine; use a different route, different times
• Follow a well-lit pathway or roadway
• Be aware of your surrounding. Watch for suspicious people or activities
• Be aware of the locations of all Emergency Call Boxes on campus. Use them if you are concerned or feel your safety is in jeopardy
• When you enter your vehicle, lock all the doors and turn on your headlights. This will allow you to see anyone outside in the dark
• If you are unfamiliar with the parking lot, drive through it and check it first. If you don’t feel safe, go elsewhere and wait for someone else to arrive
• Have your keys in your hand so that you don’t have to search for them when you reach your vehicle
• When you know that you will be returning to your vehicle late at night, try to pick a well-lit area
• Before getting into your vehicle, visually inspect the interior for anything suspicious
• Do not offer rides to strangers
• If you suspect that someone is following you, drive to the nearest open public place, to the University Police or local police department
• Report any safety concerns to the University Police Department at (478) 445-4400. Program the number into your cell phone.