UT police warn incoming freshman - 13abc.com Toledo (OH) News, Weather and Sports

So much is new to freshman when they head off to college. Tonight police are warning students to be aware of their surroundings.

19-year old Austin Hook knows you can be a victim of crime at any time. The freshman says he's taking to heart the safety tips he got from his parents

"Always have my phone on my and don't really walk around here late at night," said UT student Austin Hook.

Hook says he's also taking advantage of UT's bulletins and alerts.

"I'd rather have it and not use it then have it and not need it," said Hook

UT's police department recent sent out a bulletin after reading this Toledo police report. The report states two people were robbed at gunpoint. It happened near campus in the Bancroft hills neighborhood. Police have not made an arrest.

Police want students to play it safe. If you feel you are being followed trust your instinct and go to a public place, park in well lit and well traveled areas, walk in groups, have your car keys ready so you can easily enter your vehicle. And the police chief says pay attention to your surrounds

"You want to make eye contact you want to walk confidently. If something does happened you be able to provide a better description. And often times just that eye contact discourages someone targeting you as a victim," said UT Police Chief Jeff Newton.

School administrators also encourage students and the community to use the universities text-a-tip application.

"It's just like voting for you favorite television game show where you text a smart code and our smart code is 69050 and keyword is UTPD and you leave a space and input your tip and its delivered to our police dispatch center," said Chief Newton

"Anything to help prevent something bad from happen for students around here is always nice. The University wants to have the safest environment possible," said Hook

A safe campus that hook says will keep kids focused on their education.

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