MSU police and East Lansing police say that students coming to campus should take precautionary measures to increase their personal safety - especially in an unfamiliar area and if they will be drinking.
MSU police Sgt. Florene McGlothian-Taylor said because campus will be unfamiliar for most new students, it is important they are aware of their surroundings.
Walking in groups or pairs can help, as can paying special attention to who is around while walking at night or while on a cell phone, she said.
Locking dorm doors can reduce a lot of crimes, especially if students think they will be "just going down the hall for a second," a recurring situation which leads to problems such as stolen property, McGlothian-Taylor said.
Students should also never leave their belongings unattended in public places such as the library, she said. This also leads to many stolen items - even if the person just left it alone for a few minutes.
If students do get into trouble, there are more than 180 "green phones" around campus, which students can use to dial 911 or the campus police desk to report a crime, she said.
East Lansing police Lt. Kim Johnson said if students do witness a crime, the most important advice is to stay calm and pay attention to details to help with a possible description of the suspect.
Johnson said incoming students should build lasting friendships and bonds with others and that it is important to look out for each other.
"Use those friendships to keep you safe," Johnson said.
Alcohol is a major contributor to factors such as assaults, property damage and other problems, he said, and so people should be aware of how much they are drinking, where they are drinking and who they are drinking with.
Johnson said friends should not only not let friends drive drunk, as the saying goes - but also not let friends walk home alone, go home with strangers or drink too much on their 21st birthday.
Lt. Kevin Daley, of the East Lansing police, said that although some students will drink while underage, knowing and not testing limits is important and can help reduce health-related problems such as alcohol poisoning.
To report a crime on campus, call (517) 355-2222, and in East Lansing, call (517) 351-4220.
