Crime prevention tip of the week

Student safety is the most important things for Campus Security Services.

One thing that causes concern is transportation around town, be it by friend, bus, taxi or a service like Uber.

In order to stay safe with a ride from a friend or acquaintance, know who it is and stay in shape to know where you are and what is going on. You should never be so drunk or stoned that you don’t know what is happening. It puts you at too much risk.

The same goes for the bus. It’s a great system but you need to know where you are and when to get off or change buses. Again, you need at least a modicum of sobriety.

Certainly the taxi vs. Uber debate seems to excite people and cause interesting conversations and I encourage you to do some research and make an informed decision. I did, and here are some things to consider while you are sober and of full faculty.

• There have been numerous complaints of sexual assault and assault made against Uber drivers.

• There have been numerous complaints of sexual assault and assault made against taxi drivers.

• Uber drivers do an online background check.

• Taxi drivers in London go through a more thorough background investigation and vulnerable person screening.

• Uber vehicles may or may not have in-car cameras but if they are there, they are controlled by the driver.

• All London taxis have in car cameras. The driver has no control over it.

• Regardless of whether it was an Uber driver or a taxi driver, the vast majority of sexual assaults committed were against a person in the front passenger seat.

• If you are paying for the ride, either with an Uber or a taxi, sit in the back passenger seat. It gives you distance if you need it.

• If it becomes uncomfortable, get out of the vehicle.

• If you are assaulted in any way call the police right away.

There have been two incidents in London where young people came out of a bar and jumped into an unmarked car to get a ride home. They were each sexually assaulted. Make sure you know what vehicle you are getting into and confirm it is the right driver.

At the end of the day the best way to go out and about is to go in a group and have a designated sober driver. It becomes that person’s job to help the others make better decisions later in the evening. And with a little luck, get everyone home safe. That job should move around so the same person doesn’t have to do it all the time.

If you have questions about this or any other crime prevention concerns please feel free to contact Steve Hartwick with Campus Security Services either by phone at 519-452-4430 ext. 4929 or e-mail at shartwick@fanshawec.ca.