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THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
NEWS
JULY 27 - AUGUST 2, 2005
▼CRIME
Rising temperatures raise crime
Kerri Henderson/KANSAN
BY ERIN DROSTE
edroste@kansan.com
KANSAN STAFF WRITER
Kerri Henderson/KANSAN
As people relax during the spring and summer, they unknowingly make themselves more prone to theft.
Top: Leaving a bike unlocked allows it to be stolen easily without causing much suspicion. An easy prevention is to lock it with either a U-shaped steel lock or a sturdy cable lock.
"We do see more when the rather is nicer," said Sgt. Dan Ward of the Lawrence Police Department "People leave their garage doors open and the windows down on their cars, so it's easier for people to take things."
Theft and burglary are the top two most common crimes that occur at the University of Kansas said Chris Keary, assistant chief for the KU Public Safety Office.
Right: Leaving a purse and other valuables visible in your car makes them an easy target despite if the car is locked and the windows are up. Keep these items with you whenever possible to ensure their protection.
The difference between theft and burglary is whether the thief has a legal right to be in that place, Keary said. He said theft was taking something from somewhere the theft was allowed to be, while burglary occurred where the theft had no legal basis or right to be.
"Thefts occur when and where the opportunity is presented," Keary said. "Generally when people don't watch their
items...people give others the opportunity to take things."
Keary said the best way to protect belongings was to use security devices and measures already on hand. Lock your doors, even when at home, watch your items and make sure to take them with you.
"Don't assume it will be there if you leave it," Keary said.
Ward said one had to be careful about keeping valuables out of sight.
"If you lock your car but leave a purse in plain view, people are more apt to break a window to get it and run the risk of being
seen and heard, because they know what is there," Ward said.
Victims of theft or burglary should always report it, Keary said.
"It's not their fault somebody took advantage of it - you should be mad about it," Keary said. "You should be mad that in this society, you have to watch your stuff."
If criminals are caught they can be charged with either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the items stolen. Anything
valued less than $1,000 would constitute a misdemeanor, anything valued more than $1,000 would be a felony, Keary said.
Filing a report does not guarantee that you'll get your property back. Keary said items were generally not recovered. He said students should record serial numbers and other important information from their valuables so they had it if it was stolen.
—Edited by Liz Nartowicz