The University of the West Indies, at St. Augustine Homepage

The University of the West Indies

at St. Augustine, Trinidad

The UWI Estate Police Service

Personal Safety

when walking | in your car | at home | at work | for victime or witnesses

When Walking

Always walk with others
Only walk in well lit areas
Avoid short-cuts through poorly lit or deserted areas
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes you can run in

If you think you are being followed:
Change direction and / or cross the street
Head to a well-lit area
Get close to other people
Seek help
Do not confront the person in an isolated area

In Your Car

Always have a valid Driver's Permit & Certificate of Insurance
Park in well-lit, busy areas, preferable close to security
Have your keys ready before approaching the car
Look out for anyone loitering in the car park and report your observations
Check the back seat before getting in
Get into the car quickly
Lock the doors immediately
Start the car, then arrange children or items in the back seat
Keep windows up and doors locked at traffic lights and after dark
Do not stop for strangers or unidentified vehicles
Check your rear and side view mirrors regularly to see if you are being followed

If you encounter an illegal roadblock or think you are being followed:
Do not exit the car or lower the windows
Quickly change direction
Call the police
Drive to the nearest busy area or police station

At Home

Equip your door with a peephole and dead bolt lock
Make sure all windows have secure frames and locks
Use outdoor lightning
Never hide a door key outside of your residence
Lock your door every time you leave the house (even for short periods)
Never leave your purse, valuables and keys near windows on in easily visible areas

At Work

In the office
Mark your personal property
Keep wallets and purses out of sight
Maintain a proper inventory of office equipment
Request ID from all unfamilar vendors

Leaving the office
Let a co-worker, close neighbour, friend or family member know of your expected times of departure from work and arrival at home
Lock computers or similar office equipment to the desk or in cupboards

Working late
Always have company
Lock all doors and windows and do not open them to anyone you don't know
After dark call the UWI Police to escort you to your vehicle
Report all suspicious persons and activity to the UWI Police

For Victims or Witnesses to a Crime / Assault

Note the registration number of any vehicle involved
Observer details of the person that will help you describe them later
Avoide tampering with anything that may be used as evidence
Contact the police as soon as possible