Laptops, iPods, textbooks – these are all expensive things that students shell out hundreds of dollars on. In many cases, such items are bought with the paychecks and hard-earned cash from a summer or part-time job of waiting tables, folding clothes, or walking dogs. Yet, despite how much work went into paying for these things, students are far too careless with them, inviting in thieves to rob them blind of their prized possessions.
Theft is one of the top criminal activities reported on campus. It can occur almost anywhere and at any time. Students can become victims of purse snatchers or backpack pickpockets as they stroll from class to class down the street or even have their dorms and apartments broken into. It is an unfortunate reminder that though students often feel like they are living in a safe bubble when they are on campus, the streets are still not completely secure.
One of the best ways to keep thieves out and away from your possessions is to not grant them easy access. This means making a habit of locking your car doors, locking your apartment and dormitory doors, and keeping your purse or backpack zipped up and close to your body. Some residential halls now come equipped with dormitory doors that lock automatically. Be sure to not tamper with this auto-lock mechanism and allow for your door to lock this way. Do not leave your door propped open for any reason when no one is in the room – this means not propping it open for that "quick run" to the car or when you go to pick up your clothes from the dryer down the hall. It only takes a few seconds for someone, even a fellow student, to waltz into your room and steal your laptop.
Another way to deter thieves is to not keep your valuables in plain sight. Thieves are not looking to hunt around for valuables – they are likely more inclined to break open a door and just swipe whatever they see first. This means that if you hide your valuables from plain view, you may be saving yourself from becoming a victim of theft. Keep your laptops out of sight from your windows, or at least pull your window blinds down when you leave. Thieves who see nothing to steal will not go through the trouble of breaking into your apartment. The same goes for items stowed in cars – do not leave your textbooks or portable hard drives lying on the passenger seat. Either take those things with you or hide them in the trunk or under a sweater. With some precautionary action, you will dramatically decrease the likelihood of becoming a theft victim.