Campus police urge students to stay safe as classes resume

Campus police at the University of Waterloo are urging students to think about safetyas manyreturn 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 toAlan Binns, director of police servicesat 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 eventsto 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 studentsto 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 recommendspeople familiarize themselves with reasonable rental rates, review contracts thoroughly, go to the physical address, verify all personal informationandnever 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 theyshare with the other rentalparty even if they are local.

On-campus thefts

Campus police also wantstudents to be vigilant about protecting their propertyon 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 campuspayphoneshave 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.