Missing your car or bike? Safety tips for students
MacKenzie Wright; Megan Baxter
Issue date: 10/18/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
Every week Capital students only have to read the Police Beats to see how much crime occurs every day in a usually "safe" area like Bexley.
With all the reports of robbery, vandalism and assault, learning how to protect valuables can benefit a college campus. Capital Public Safety officers provide a few suggestions to help reduce the amount of crime.
According to the Ohio State Public Safety services, one of the most common mistakes made by students living in a dormatory is leaving the door unlocked. A thief can enter a room and steal something valuable in less than 10 seconds. To prevent this loss of property, students need to lock their doors even if they are gone for only a moment.
The Department of Public Safety officers Megan Crane and Julio Papillion recommended some tips to combat the loss of property and promote the safety of students.
As one of the major concerns for Public Safety, bicycle theft has become increasingly frequent on campus. The best way to prevent this is locking bikes to immovable objects with hardened-alloy locks and chains or U-shaped locks.
"Public Safety is looking into new ways to protect student bicycles, but until that system is in place, remember to always lock your bikes," Officer Papillion said.
The high threat areas for bike disappearance are the Schaaf Hall Breezeway, the Capital Center and in between the Lohman Complex and Cotterman Hall.
In addition to locking bikes, Officer Papillion suggests that owners of bicycles keep a copy of the bicycle make, serial number and a photo of the bike. If a bicycle is stolen and the owner is prepared for the worst, officers will be able to seaSafety tips for studentsrch more thoroughly for the property.
Bicycles aren't the only vehicles in danger on campus. Many students have had problems with car vandalism and the loss of accessories or valuables inside cars. Public Safety officers encourage students to always lock car doors and remove valuables from inside. In particular, CDs and loose change are two items that attract thieves.
"Putting a blanket over valuables is not a sufficient protective measure," Officer Crane said.
Although theft and vandalism are the most prevalent crimes on campus, the officers also want students to take advantage of their escort services.
"I strongly encourage calling the escort service, even if you only need to walk from the [Capital] Commons to Main Campus," Officer Papillion said.
Public Safety clarified that the escort service has operated as a proactive way to prevent crime. Even when walking between buildings at night, it is important to walk with a friend.
"Girls should always walk with somebody and keep in touch with their roommates or close friends," Officer Crane said.
To contact the Capital Department of Public Safety Office for a police escort, call 236-6666.
By using these simple tips from Public Safety, students can take a proactive stance against crime and avoid starring in the weekly Police Beats.
swright@capital.edu
With all the reports of robbery, vandalism and assault, learning how to protect valuables can benefit a college campus. Capital Public Safety officers provide a few suggestions to help reduce the amount of crime.
According to the Ohio State Public Safety services, one of the most common mistakes made by students living in a dormatory is leaving the door unlocked. A thief can enter a room and steal something valuable in less than 10 seconds. To prevent this loss of property, students need to lock their doors even if they are gone for only a moment.
The Department of Public Safety officers Megan Crane and Julio Papillion recommended some tips to combat the loss of property and promote the safety of students.
As one of the major concerns for Public Safety, bicycle theft has become increasingly frequent on campus. The best way to prevent this is locking bikes to immovable objects with hardened-alloy locks and chains or U-shaped locks.
"Public Safety is looking into new ways to protect student bicycles, but until that system is in place, remember to always lock your bikes," Officer Papillion said.
The high threat areas for bike disappearance are the Schaaf Hall Breezeway, the Capital Center and in between the Lohman Complex and Cotterman Hall.
In addition to locking bikes, Officer Papillion suggests that owners of bicycles keep a copy of the bicycle make, serial number and a photo of the bike. If a bicycle is stolen and the owner is prepared for the worst, officers will be able to seaSafety tips for studentsrch more thoroughly for the property.
Bicycles aren't the only vehicles in danger on campus. Many students have had problems with car vandalism and the loss of accessories or valuables inside cars. Public Safety officers encourage students to always lock car doors and remove valuables from inside. In particular, CDs and loose change are two items that attract thieves.
"Putting a blanket over valuables is not a sufficient protective measure," Officer Crane said.
Although theft and vandalism are the most prevalent crimes on campus, the officers also want students to take advantage of their escort services.
"I strongly encourage calling the escort service, even if you only need to walk from the [Capital] Commons to Main Campus," Officer Papillion said.
Public Safety clarified that the escort service has operated as a proactive way to prevent crime. Even when walking between buildings at night, it is important to walk with a friend.
"Girls should always walk with somebody and keep in touch with their roommates or close friends," Officer Crane said.
To contact the Capital Department of Public Safety Office for a police escort, call 236-6666.
By using these simple tips from Public Safety, students can take a proactive stance against crime and avoid starring in the weekly Police Beats.
swright@capital.edu
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