Warmer temperatures equate to more outdoor activityespecially at night, so WVU s Department of Public Safety (DPS) wants to remind students to be more aware of their environment and to take extra precautions.

While the University and Morgantown are safe places to be, we generally see a slight increase in crime during the warm weather months,said Lt. Randy Friend, crime prevention officer with WVU s DPS .We just want to urge students to be alert and aware of whats going on around them when they are out and about.

He issued the following safety tips:

• Always stay tuned to your surroundings. Be aware of what is happening around you. If a person or situation makes you feel uncomfortable, then avoid that person or that situation and leave the area immediately.

• Travel in groups, especially in the evening and at night. Avoid isolated areas, short cuts and deserted parking lots. Follow well-lit and well-traveled areas. Walk briskly and confidently. * Avoid going to ATM machines after dark.

• Dont flash large sums of cash, jewelry or other expensive items; they attract unwanted attention and may give a potential robber his target. * If you have to travel through isolated areas, such as when you leave work or class late, have someone walk with you to your car. This applies to men and to women alike. Anyone can be the victim of a robbery.

• If you see something suspicious, walk away. Go to an area where there are other people, bright lights or a telephone. Dont be afraid to call the police if you suspect you are being followed. It could be the prelude to a robbery. Remember, there are 37 BlueTower Emergency phones on campus that can be activated if you feel threatened by a situation, or if you witness something suspicious.

• If you are the victim of a robbery, follow the instructions of the robber. Do not argue or attempt to fight with your assailant. Give them what they want so they can quickly leave the area.

• Try to remember what the robber looks like, what he or she was wearing and call the police as quickly as possible.

These tips cannot anticipate every possible situation, but they can give people a basis for a plan to avoid personal robbery, Friend said.

For further information, contact the WVU Police Department at 293-2677 or 293 (COPS).