Outta Here
Illustration by Micah Laaker
Students should secure homes before leaving
The end of finals and the beginning of winter break generally mean one thing for University of Kansas students: going home for the holidays.
Students traveling during the holiday season should take precautions to ensure they find their campus homes secure upon their return, said Sgt. Rose Rozmiarek, of the KU police.
"The most important precaution, especially for residence halls, is that the students take their valuables home with them," she said. "If valuables can't be transported, put them away. Don't leave anything laying out in open view. Thieves are like anyone else, they window-shop first."
Rozmiarek gave the following additional tips: Secure valuable items, close and lock windows and pull the shades.
Apartment residents should place timers on their lights and radios, if possible, and have someone they trust pick up their mail and newspapers or have the delivery stopped. Leave a key only with a trustworthy person.
"I'm worried about my apartment over break," said Bill Milord, Kansas City, Kan., sophomore. "I am going to take a lot of my stuff home, and I will also come back a lot to check on things."
Apartment residents also can place their
apartment on the Lawrence police's property check list, said Doug Payne, a crime prevention officer.
Renters notify the police of their departure times and interior lighting patterns. If the officers on duty have time, they will check the security of the apartment and investigate any discrepancies with the property check report.
"The crime rate depends on how well students secure their property," Payne said. "The thieves know when winter break is and take advantage. There is a slight increase in crime."
After the contents of the apartment are secure, the drive home could present more problems for students. Both Payne and Rozmiarek give tips to help ensure a safe trip.
First, drivers should travel with a full tank of gas and have the automobile in good maintenance. If the car does break down, don't ask strangers for help.
Also, if possible, don't travel alone. It's a good idea whether you are by yourself or not to notify people at both ends of your trip of the time you are leaving, the route you intend to take and the expected time of arrival. And finally, don't obscure your vision with luggage.
— BY KRISTIE BLASI
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Hawk Holidays
-Hill • December 6, 1995