Campus police urge students to stay safe as classes resume
University of Waterloo campus police reminding students to use on-campus resources to stay safe
Campus police at the University of Waterloo are urging students to think about safety as many return to the university this weekend.
They're reminding students to stick together, be mindful of their surroundings and use on-campus tools to keep themselves safe.
A common problem on campus for new students to the region is getting lost, according to Alan Binns, director of police services at the University of Waterloo.
He recommends staying in groups and using the university's WatSAFE app.
"At least if they're lost, there's somebody there that can help them," said Binns.
The app is set up to notify students about everything from weather-related events to an active shooter on campus.
Binns said the app is available for free and works even without a cellular data connection.
Rental scams
Campus police are also warning students to be wary of rental scams if they're renting off campus.
Students at the region's universities have been the target of such scams in past years.
The university recommends students read the Waterloo Regional Police Service's online resource for avoiding rental scams.
WRPS recommends people familiarize themselves with reasonable rental rates, review contracts thoroughly, go to the physical address, verify all personal information and never provide any banking information if the person lives outside the country.
They also advise not to return funds that are "overpayment," and instead suggest applying the amount to their next month's rent.
Police also urge students to limit the personal and banking information that they share with the other rental party even if they are local.
On-campus thefts
Campus police also want students to be vigilant about protecting their property on campus.
"We have an ongoing issue with theft on campus," Binns said. "If you leave a $2,000 computer sitting on a desk when you go and get lunch, the chances are, like anywhere else, it won't be there when you come back."
He said the university has a dispatch number for officers and all the campus payphones have a direct, free-call button to that dispatch centre. It's open all day, every day.
More information about the University of Waterloo's safety resources can be found on the school's website.