In the year since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C., safety concerns have become more of a focus than ever before.

With a new semester beginning at UTM, and the one-year anniversary of the attacks quickly approaching, the Office of Public Safety has a number of tips (see below) for students to follow to keep themselves and their belongings as safe as possible.

“One of the biggest issues right now,” said OPS Lt. Ray Coleman, “is identity theft.”

“Students must protect their personal information, such as credit card numbers, Social Security number, bank PIN numbers, etc.,” Coleman said.

“Then, if something comes up missing, report it immediately.” He added that students should never give such information over the telephone, either, unless the student initiated the call or is familiar with the person requesting the information.

Coleman also suggested that students be cautious in sending personal information over the Internet, especially with online purchasing on the rise, and should tear up or shred credit card receipts and bank receipts.

“Don’t leave receipts in the ATM or drop them in the trash, because someone will take them and use them for identity theft,” Coleman said.

Other safety tips from OPS include:

• Keep all doors and windows locked during any absence, whether you live in a dorm, apartment or house.
• Do not let strangers know you are alone.
• Travel in numbers, especially when you are in an isolated area for some time.
• Hold your purse or briefcase securely, close to your body. Keep backpacks zipped and don’t leave them lying around anywhere.
• Never hitchhike or pick up hitchhikers.
• Keep curtains closed at night to prevent a prowler from gaining a view of you or learning you are not there.
• Check identification of unknown visitors before allowing them entrance.
• Give only the necessary key(s) to a mechanic or parking attendant.
• Do not tag keys with your name and address. Be especially careful not to attach your student ID card to your key ring.
• Avoid driving alone at night or in deserted places.
• Always lock your doors and windows.
• Check front and rear seats before entering your car.
• Lock all valuables in the trunk of your car, rather than leaving them where they can be seen.
• Park in lots that are well-lighted and well-traveled.
• If you think you are being followed, change direction, keep looking back, and go to a well-lighted area.
• Do not block open hallway doors or the end doors to the dorms. You’re inviting trouble to walk right in.