Police emphasize ways to keep belongings safe during Spring Break
Students watch television in their dorm room Feb. 26, 2015 in Saxe Hall.
Spring Break is on its way, but before students leave for vacation, they should prepare their rooms and secure their belongings.
Associate Director of Residence Life Michelle Veith said students should lock the doors and windows to their residence hall rooms before leaving and close their curtains.
All electronics should be turned off and unplugged, with the exception of fish tanks and refrigerators. Veith said trash should be taken out to prevent odors and mold from spreading.
Veith said the last student to leave should make sure the heat dial is set to three to prevent pipes from bursting. Bedroom and bathroom doors should be left open, she said, to allow more airflow within the room and prevent the walls from sweating.
She also encouraged students to take items of value with them, such as laptops and televisions.
Veith said each hall has its own checkout procedure for students to follow before leaving. All residence halls will be closed except Celani, Herrig and Saxe halls. Veith said students leaving apartments should take similar precautions.
Hall staff members will perform a check after students have left to make sure all rooms are secure.Veith said the last person leaving should check in with hall staff to let them know the room is empty.
Lt. Cameron Wassman also said students should follow checkout procedures and remove valuable items. Students should also make sure their vehicles are locked and secured to prevent larceny.
Wassman said if students do keep valuables in their cars to keep them in the trunk and out of sight.
He said students should drink responsibly on break and keep an eye on their drinks.
"Whether you're home, or you're on a spring break trip, always be aware of your surroundings," he said.
There is not a significant increase in crime in Mount Pleasant during Spring Break,Wassman said. Police will be performing property checks for resident halls during the break.
