In the flurry of packing and trying to leave town for Thanksgiving, some students may increase their vulnerability to crime.
There are more vehicle break-ins at the end of the semester because there are more opportunities for crime with people packing their cars, said MSU Assistant Police Chief Georgia Lindley.
However, there are several actions students can take to avoid becoming victimized by holiday criminals.
Crime prevention officer Marcelo Mango offers this advice: “To prevent crime, don’t pack your car the night before you leave. Wake up earlier and pack your car then.”
He also suggested parking in a well-lit area and locking anything of value, including compact discs and textbooks, in the trunk if they have to be left in the vehicle.
“Everyone wants to make it home with their stuff,” Lindley said.
Students should also make sure their doors are locked each time they leave the room to take another load to the car.
PlayStations and wallets are items commonly stolen from residence hall rooms, Mango said.
“Criminals are looking for something to take to the local pawn shop,” he said.
Off-campus students are at risk for crime, too, Mango said. Students living in apartments should close their blinds and clean up around their apartment before leaving town. Also, commuter students should not leave their book bags in plain view in their cars.
“Just because you live off campus does not make you immune to crime,” he said.
When traveling home, students should always carry a cell phone for safety and maintain at least one-quarter of a tank of gas at all times. Also, informing someone of the planned route and expected time of arrival makes for a safer trip.
“If you do break down,” Mango said, “remember to keep your windows and doors locked and trust your instincts. And do not drink and drive!”
Another place where crime frequently occurs is the Mitchell Memorial Library. With final exams approaching, the library will be extending its hours and opening its doors to more students than usual.
Textbooks, book bags and purses left unattended in the library while students take a quick “study break” are great bounty for criminals.
A “good number” of students report items stolen while in the library, said Stephen Cunetto, administrator of systems for the library. He added that, should something get stolen, students can report the crime to Access Services, located on the second floor of the library.
Library staff members have already made plans to decrease theft during the exam period. “We have put signage up to reinforce to students that they don’t need to leave their things unattended,” building supervisor Glen Berry said.
“We will also have the security students on hand from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. during the whole exam period. They will be wearing vests labeled ‘Security’ and will be on patrol outside the library and throughout the building.”
Berry added that his staff has been working with the physical plant department to update the lighting around Mitchell Memorial Library.
“The building should be well-lit and lighting should not be a problem,” he said.
Stephen Cunetto, system administrator, encouraged students to “keep their eyes open” when milling around the library, especially at night.
Students who want an escort from the library can call 325-2121, Mango said.
“The safety of faculty and students is our top priority here,” said Dean of Libraries Frances Coleman.
“Any staff member or student assistants are very approachable and willing to help when they can,” she said.