Berkeley in the Night: How to Stay Safe
The recent string of local crimes is no stranger to the city of Berkeley. Chances are, you or someone you know have already been a victim. The streets of Berkeley are known to not exactly be the safest, especially at night. The residential areas southwest of Sproul Plaza have seen their share of predators and victims. Even on campus, areas like Eucalyptus Grove have been the setting of sexual battery and other crimes. When traveling during the dark hours, it’s crucial to know how to keep yourself away from danger, and what to do if you ever encounter it.
Travel with a friend, classmate, or co-worker
This is pretty self-explanatory advice that many already take heed to. When heading home from class or work in the dark, walk with someone heading in the same direction. The more people, the better––there is safety in numbers! If it will feel too awkward, try to at least keep a close distance to some people.
When going out for a night of fun, avoid walking far distances alone. Make friends with people who live nearby, if you don’t already have any, so you’ll have a convenient walking buddy. Or, have some friends come walk or drive to your place to pick you up (good friends with cars = life savers!) And if none of this is possible, arrange a meeting spot for you and your friends that is of equal distance from all your pads. However, especially in big groups, people may stray in different directions throughout the night. Partner up, remind all to keep their phones handy, and designate a place to meet up if needed.
If you must walk alone, be prepared
Unfortunately, it’s just too inconvenient to always have someone to accompany you at all times around Berkeley. When this is the case after the sun goes down, it is important to walk with a plan of action in mind if any danger should arise.
Though most of us cannot live apart from them anyway, it is still worth mentioning that it is absolutely critical to have your cellphone on you when walking at night. Make sure it has a sufficient amount of battery life and turn off the passcode feature––in panicky situations, you may not be able to unlock your phone quickly enough to call for help. Keep it in your pocket or hold it in your hand. I suggest not putting it in your purse or backpack, not only because it would not be instantly accessible, but also to separate your valuables––if your wallet is in one place (like your purse) and your phone in another (like your pocket), and you are mugged, there is a greater chance that you will still have one or the other when they run off.
Stay attentive and in the most populated, well-lit areas; don’t have headphones in, and try not to text or talk on your phone. Not only does this distract you from your surroundings, but predators also tend to look for people who seem preoccupied. Mentally scan for possible escape routes in unfamiliar places. Always let someone know where you are going and when you’ll be there, so they can get help if you don’t arrive at the expected time.
It’s important to always be aware of where you are, in case something does happen and you need to describe your location. Take note of your surroundings––street names, building names, even people’s faces. If you are ever suspiciously approached, observe and remember your confronter’s features: gender, hair and eye color, estimated height, birth marks, clothes, vehicle brand features if they are in one. While you hopefully will never have to, all this information will help you and others catch the perpetrator.
Have weapons of self-defense
In case you do find yourself in any confrontational situation, be prepared with self-defense tactics. One protective tool that we all carry around with us is none other than our key(s). If you are walking alone in the dark, carry your keys in your hand. If your location makes you feel uneasy, hold a key between your pointer and middle finger to maximize its power as a weapon.
Consider carrying around Mace or pepper spray (you must be 18 years or over). Many Berkeley ladies have small canisters with attached key rings. Keep it easily accessible when alone at night, not at the bottom of your purse. Make sure to do some research on how exactly to use whatever kind of pepper spray you own.
If you are carrying a heavy or big bag, this can either be helpful or detrimental. If you are provoked to run away from something, it can slow you down. However, if the bag is heavy, you can use it to defend yourself from an attacker. Throw it at them or just drop it if you need to run; your life may depend on it, regardless of what you’d be leaving behind.
Carrying anything else? Think quickly if you are ever approached or threatened. Hot cup of tea? Splash it at the person’s face. Textbook? Throw it at their head or use it as a shield. Umbrella, groceries, extra clothes? Well, you get the idea.
Take advantage of Bear Transit services
BearWALK, night safety shuttles, and the Late-night Owl Line are all there to ensure your after-hours safety, whether you’re walking home from the library or a frat house. Call (510) 642-WALK (add the number to your phone’s address book; it is also listed on the back of your Cal ID) or visit bearwalk.berkeley.edu. You can get walking escorts, request a shuttle to pick you up, or catch one of the night busses on their routes. For more information, schedules, and maps, visit http://berkeley.edu/news/features/staysafe.shtml, and watch the video below for more Berkeley night safety tips by students and UCPD officers.
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