How to keep possessions safe during spring break
Students have an important list of tasks to complete before abandoning the Mount Pleasant winter for sunny skies during spring break.
Central Michigan University Police said students need to make sure their rooms, apartments and vehicles are safe while they are gone over break. CMU Police Department Chief Bill Yeagley said officers are out in force over break to help combat theft and property damage, but students still need to take steps to protect themselves.
"We are out in force over the break," Yeagley said. "You still need to take home your valuables and make sure your residence is locked up tight."
Electronics are the most commonly stolen items over break. This includes laptops, phones, tablets and other valuable electronics Yeagley called, "easily transportable."
Vehicles
He cautioned against leaving cars vulnerable to larcenies. While the number of vehicles on campus over break decreases, vehicles left unattended can be attractive to criminals.
"Park your cars legally and secure them," Yeagley said. "Make sure they are locked and emptied of valuables. Do not leave anything out in sight."
Historically, vehicle larceny rates do not consistently rise or fall over spring break. They can rise when thieves make plans to target student lots.
Mount Pleasant Police Department Public Information officer Jeff Browne said for residents living off campus, it is important to not leave cars in the street in the event of a snowstorm when the city needs to plow.
"Move your vehicles out of the street," Browne said. "They present a hazard for plow trucks and an opportunity for criminals."
Residence Halls
Yeagley and Associate Director of Residence Life Michelle Veith cautioned students living in residence halls on the terrace level to secure their windows.
"Windows on the terrace level have either a locking mechanism or an arm to prevent the window from being opened from the outside," Veith said.
Veith also said that while pipes bursting is sometimes inevitable, students can reduce the risk of a burst by leaving their heat dial on a setting of 3 or above.
"Don't leave anything that can be destroyed by water on the floor," Veith said. "On the off chance that a pipe bursts, you don't want possessions on the floor to get ruined."
Veith also advised that students take out all of their trash to prevent mold or infestation, and to seal any perishables. Most importantly, Veith asked students to ensure the last person to leave the residence checks out with a staff member.
"Please be sure to have the last person leaving check out with a staff member," Veith said. "That way everyone will be sure your room is secure."
