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Objectives: to make DCU a safer place to study, live and work in, a Campus Watch Scheme has been set up (similar to the well-established Neighbourhood Watch). The essence of this is to prevent crimes occurring by reducing the opportunity for crime. Our community, working in close co-operation with the Whitehall Gardaí, can achieve this aim.

What to do: contact Security immediately (extension 5999) if you see any suspicious activity on campus. This is a twenty four hour service. They will inform the Gardaí who will come to the scene. In the event of an actual crime, if the above number is engaged, ring 999. However, still remember to tell Security as soon as possible.

Suspicious Activity: what constitutes suspicious activity? Here are some examples but it is by no means an exhaustive list. It is up to you to decide what `suspicious' means.

• someone running from a car or room

• someone screaming

• any unusual noise that you can't explain such as breaking glass

• someone looking into windows or cars

Benefits: apart from having a safer environment there are practical advantages to the Campus Watch Scheme. As it is an award winning scheme (Chubb Awards 1993) security awareness has been heightened on campus and in the surrounding areas. Additionally, bicycle marking sessions will be organised on campus in conjunction with the Gardaí, free of charge. This is very definitely a positive step towards crime prevention.