Whether on campus or exploring Detroit and its surrounding neighborhoods, there are a number of tips you can take to stay alert and safe.

Wayne State University is proud to be one of the 50 safest college campuses in the United States. We have achieved that reputation because of a community of Warriors that stays alert, aware and proactive. Here are a few tips to staying safe on campus.

• Be observant and aware of your environment. Familiarize yourself with campus buildings and landmarks.

• Know your way around. Locate and memorize the locations of the blue-light emergency phones along your campus route.

• Stay in populated areas of campus. Criminals are less likely to approach in well-populated areas.

• After dark, walk in well-lit areas of campus and the surrounding area. Always remain on campus malls and city sidewalks; avoid cutting through alleys or between buildings.

• Walk in groups. There is safety in numbers. Study in groups or in well-populated study areas such as a WSU library if possible.

• Travel light. When possible, carry all your belongings in one bag.

• If you carry chemical defense spray, have it ready so you know where to find it in case of an emergency. 

• Walk with purpose and attitude. Display confidence; keep your head up and make eye contact. Even if you are lost, act like you know where you are going.

• Never leave property unattended in any campus building or in your car. Theft is easier to avoid if your property is hidden from sight.

• If you need to step out for a bathroom break or to get a snack, leave your property under the supervision of someone you trust, or take it with you.

• Park your car in well-lit areas where there is a high volume of traffic. WSU structures are routinely patrolled by parking personnel, police officers and cadets.

• Don't leave your cellphone in your car. Keep chargers out of sight.

• Keep anything of even minimal value in the trunk if you do not take it with you.

• If you see any suspicious activity or person, call the Wayne State University Police Department at 313-577-2222.

• Always have a back-up plan. Plan a secondary route of travel in case there is a major accident or construction tie-up on your usual route.

• To claim property or to see if your lost property has been recovered by our department, please call the Records Section during normal business hours at 313-577-2056. A lost and found service is also maintained by the Student Center and can be reached during normal business hours at 313-577-0295.