As Salisbury University gets ready to recognize a much-needed break for students, Spring Break can be an opportune time for those with bad intentions to burglarize property both on and near campus. Many students will be away from their off-campus apartments and houses, and here are some steps you can take to lessen the chances of this happening to you during the break: - Do not announce your absence from your house or apartment on social media; your friends are not necessarily the only people seeing your posts.
- Avoid leaving your vehicle parked overnight filled with your luggage or other items of value (instead, keep everything packed and inside your home to make it easier to get out the door the next day).
- Be sure any vehicles left near campus are locked (a good habit to maintain whether it’s during a holiday break or not).
- Make sure you do a thorough job of locking the doors and windows of your residence.
- Give your house or apartment the appearance of being lived in. You may use electronic timers for interior lights and televisions, or you can simply leave the lights on.
- Large displays of valuables should not be visible through windows and doors of your residence. Close your curtains and blinds.
- Consider taking high-value items home. If you leave your items, make sure you write down their make, model and serial number.
- Place your bikes inside your house or apartment. Do not give thieves the opportunity to take your possessions.
- Ask the local police to conduct patrol checks of your residence while you are away.
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