College should be a place of learning and growth, but safety concerns are a reality on many campuses. From theft and vandalism to more serious crimes like assault, students must take proactive steps to protect themselves. In 2021, over 31,000 crimes were reported on U.S. college campuses, underscoring the importance of personal safety measures.
Here’s how you can avoid common campus crimes and why TRUalert is the ultimate tool for personal safety.
Crime Statistics by Campus
| University | Total Crimes Reported (2023) | Most Common Crime | Safety Rating |
| UC Irvine | 120 | Theft | 4.5/5 |
| CSU Fullerton | 180 | Assault | 4/5 |
| Chapman University | 95 | Burglary | 4.7/5 |
Protecting Your Belongings from Theft
Theft is the most prevalent crime on campuses, with burglaries accounting for 28% of reported incidents (NCES). To minimize risk:
- Secure Your Space: Always lock your dorm room or apartment, even when you’re present (University of Illinois Police).
- Stay Alert: Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions like wearing headphones in unfamiliar areas (UCLA Police Department).
- TRUalert’s Safety Pulse: Stay informed of theft trends via community alerts.
Staying Safe from Assault
Assault incidents, including physical and sexual assault, often occur in secluded areas or late at night. Forcible sex offenses constituted 44% of reported on-campus crimes in 2021 (NCES). To protect yourself:
- Trust Your Instincts: If a situation feels unsafe, leave immediately (RAINN).
- Stay Connected: Keep friends informed of your whereabouts, especially during late hours.
- Tap TRUalert: Press the emergency button to activate a discreet SMS alert via Noonlight, TRUalert’s trusted emergency dispatch partner.
- Follow-Up: A full incident summary will be available in your app afterward.
Avoiding Scams and Identity Theft
College students are often targeted for scams and identity theft. To minimize risk:
- Be Skeptical: Verify unsolicited job offers or requests for personal information.
- Secure Your Online Presence: Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
- Stay Informed with TruAlert’s Safety Pulse: Receive real-time warnings about scams and suspicious activities from fellow students.
Securing Your Dorm or Apartment
- Lock all doors and windows—even when inside.
- Never share access codes or keys.
- Report suspicious behavior using TRUalert’s alert feature.
Making Smart Choices at Social Events
Parties and hangouts can quickly turn risky.
- Watch your drink. Don’t accept anything you didn’t see opened.
- Stick with friends and leave if something feels off.
- TRUalert’s Emergency Button provides 24/7 access to emergency support via SMS.
Practicing Online Safety and Cybersecurity
Cybercriminals frequently target students for identity theft and financial fraud. Using secure Wi-Fi, enabling two-factor authentication, and keeping social media profiles private can help protect your online identity. Staying vigilant against phishing attempts and fraudulent messages is also crucial.
Enhancing Your Security with TRUalert
TRUalert is your personal safety tool for staying protected on and off campus.
What It Offers:
- Emergency SMS Alerts – Discreetly get help via Noonlight
- Safety Pulse Alerts – Real-time community updates and risk awareness
- Post-Incident Reports – Every emergency gets logged for reference or reporting
Campus Safety Statistics and Crime Trends
Understanding campus crime trends can help students stay vigilant. A few key findings:
- Over 31,000 crimes were reported on U.S. college campuses in 2021 (BestColleges).
- Burglaries account for 28% of reported incidents on campus (NCES).
- Forcible sex offenses make up 44% of campus crime reports (NCES).
- Many students feel unsafe on campus due to gang activity and bullying (NY Post).
These statistics highlight the need for proactive security measures and tools like TRUalert.
Take Control of Your Safety Today
Being proactive about campus safety can make a significant difference. By staying aware, following these best practices, and using TRUalert, you can reduce your risk and navigate college life with confidence.
Download TRUalert Now and take charge of your personal safety today!
